Press Release

July 20, 2000

B.C. Goes to Court to Support Equal Marriage for Same-Sex Couples

The Government of British Columbia and EGALE (Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere) announced today that they will be issuing legal proceedings to challenge any restrictions on the right of same-gender couples to choose to marry. The Government is of the view that same-gender couples should have the equal right to marry, and that any law restricting that right is both unfair and unconstitutional. The Government of British Columbia and EGALE will be commencing separate legal proceedings and are committed to supporting each other through the long legal road ahead.

"The Deputy Attorney General has assured us that if a licence could have been legally issued by the Director of Vital Statistics, we would have one by now," said Cynthia Callahan, an EGALE Board member, and Judy Lightwater, whose wedding will take place on July 29, 2000. "Naturally, we are disappointed our union can’t yet be a legal one. However, we’re extremely pleased that the BC Government has committed to arguing in support of equal marriage in court."

In response to their application for a marriage licence on May 26th, B.C. Attorney General Andrew Petter made clear that the B.C. government supports the equal right to marry of same-gender couples:

"In a modern society there is no justification for denying same sex couples the same option to form marital bonds as are afforded to opposite sex couples."

"The B.C. Government’s commitment to supporting equal marriage rights for same-sex couples is historic", said John Fisher, Executive Director of EGALE. "This is the first time a Canadian government has ever expressed the view that same-sex couples should have an equal right to marry. We expect that over the next few years other governments will also support our right to full equality."

Laurie Arron, Chair of EGALE’s Equal Marriage Committee added that "the exclusion of same-gender relationships from marriage speaks volumes. It sends a loud and clear message that our relationships are inferior, are not worthy of the term "marriage". This hurtful message must change."

As noted by Ken Smith, President of the B.C. Human Rights Coalition, "the majority of Canadians support equal marriage for same-gender couples. I’m glad our government is in sync with the people of B.C. and recognizes that it’s time to put an end to this archaic exclusion."

EGALE is a national organization committed to advancing equality for lesbian, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people. It lobbies governments, challenges in the courts and educates the public. EGALE has members in every province and territory of Canada.

EGALE wants to hear from couples seeking the right to marry, so that they can help us put a human face on the legal struggle. Interested couples can obtain more information from our website at www.egale.ca/

For further information:
Cynthia Callahan: (250) 388-9189 or Judy Lightwater: (250) 598-6034 (on honeymoon July 26—Aug 18)
John Fisher, EGALE Executive Director: 1-888-204-7777
Laurie Arron, Chair of EGALE’s Equal Marriage Committee: (416) 862-4851
Ken Smith, President of the B.C. Human Rights Coalition: (604) 683-4176
Kathryn Chapman, Victoria Counsel for EGALE: (250) 388-6868
Cynthia Petersen, Toronto Counsel for EGALE: (416) 979-6440

Egale Canada ©2011

Canada's LGBT human rights organization: advancing equality, diversity, education, and justice.