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.
As expected, Saskatchewan has become the latest province to legalize same-sex marriage following a court ruling that declared the traditional definition of matrimony unconstitutional. In a five-page written decision, Justice Donna Wilson declared in Saskatoon that marriage is in fact the "lawful union of two persons to the exclusion of all others." She argued that any refusal to issue a marriage license to gay or lesbian couples would violate Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Premier Lorne Calvert told reporters that he personally supports same-sex wedlock but also favours protection for churches to maintain their traditional definition of marriage. "We believe in a tolerant society. We believe in the rights of all citizens," said Calvert. Lawyers for the provincial and federal governments chose not to oppose the application from same-sex couples that led to Friday's ruling. The federal government did not back the ruling, however, because the matter is currently before the Supreme Court. Friday's ruling was contentious, with supporters calling it an overdue step toward more equality and tolerance, and opponents charging that unelected judges have no business deciding the future of what they see as a cornerstone of society. Opposition justice critic Don Morgan said the governing NDP should have done more to uphold the traditional definition of marriage, adding that he believes the majority of Saskatchewan people support marriage between one man and one woman only. Creighton and Denare Beach MP Jeremy Harrison also opposed the ruling, saying the matter should be decided by Parliament. "This is a political question, this isn't a legal question for the government to abdicate their position completely," said Harrison. Saskatchewan joined Manitoba, Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Yukon and Nova Scotia as jurisdictions that allow gay and lesbian couples to wed. Advocates believe Saskatchewan's decision puts pressure on the remaining provinces and territories, as their governments might be seen as ignoring the findings of several courts that have declared gay-marriage prohibitions unconstitutional. Same-sex marriage has been legalized in every province or territory where the constitutionality of banning it has been challenged in the courts.
