Civil benefits namely health care, rights to inheritance and family privileges have often been denied to partners in same-sex unions. Without being given the right to marriage, same-sex couples are not protected, in equal manner as heterosexual couples, under the law. On 20 July 2005 Canada became one of only four countries, worldwide, to federally legalize same-sex marriage. Marriage between members of the same-sex is now a factual reality, upheld by law in Canada. It is a right that all citizens who live in a free society should be afforded.
[...] In the same vein, same-sex unions have been permitted on military bases in Canada since September of 2003[1]. Aside from a very valid argument of civil liberties, there is a convincing stance that can be taken in favor of same-sex marriage in Canada on the grounds of our country's social progressivism. Canada has always been socially inclusive. Ontario, specifically, is home to the most culturally diverse city in the world, Toronto. As a nation, Canada has always been a haven for minority groups. [...]
[...] To deny same-sex couples the right to marry is an arbitrary discrimination. It is a discrimination based on fear and not fact, centered on bigotry. Those in favor of reversing the Civil Marriage Act must favor traditionalism because they fear change and are weary of what other exclusive rights will be removed from heterosexual couples. Awarding same-sex couples the right to marry does not have to mean that it removes a privilege from heterosexual couples. It does not have to be a zero sum issue; extending rights to one group does not limit the rights of another. [...]
[...] “Queer inclusions, continental divisions; public recognition of sexual diversity in Canada and the United States.” In Reference and Research Book News, Portland: August Vol Issue pp. 1-388. “Supreme Court clears the way for same-sex ‘marriage'.” In Catholic Insight. Vol., Issue January 2005, pg “Supreme Court clears the way for same-sex ‘marriage'.” In Catholic Insight, Vol., Issue January 2005, pg Kevin Alderson. Same-Sex Marriage: The Personal and the Political. London: Insomniac Press pg “Queer inclusions, continental divisions; public recognition of sexual diversity in Canada [...]
[...] While there is not a national database which holds a record of the divorce rate for same-sex couples, the first case of same-sex divorce in Canada became a national news story, suggesting that it would be an issue of interest to the public.[6] Wherever people's freedoms are repressed Canada has spoken out in support of those excluded. The government should not protect only those who agree with its policies, it should protect all its residents. Canada's government is the ruling force of law for all Canadians, and residents, regardless of their politics. [...]
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