The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Government of Canada has introduced the Marriage for Civil Purposes Act to extend the right to civil marriage to same-sex couples and reaffirm the freedom of religion. The legislation is consistent with court decisions in seven provinces and one territory, as well as the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Charter guarantees that minorities cannot be discriminated against and it ensures that everyone has the right to worship according to their own religious beliefs. This legislation protects both of these rights. "This Government will uphold the Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the right of every Canadian to equality without discrimination," said Minister Alcock. "It is important to remember that civil marriage of same-sex couples is indeed about civil, not religious marriage and no church or synagogue, mosque or temple will be forced to perform marriages against their religious beliefs." The Government represents the rights of all Canadians equally. The legislation respects and defends the Charter rights of all Canadians. The Government will not use the notwithstanding clause and will oppose any attempt to take away rights protected by the Charter. "The Government cannot, and should not, pick and choose whose rights they will defend and whose rights they will ignore," said Minister Alcock. "Extending the right to civil marriage for same-sex couples is an affirmation of Canada's commitment to protecting minority rights and guaranteeing equality for all."
