Press Release

February 7, 2000

EGALE and Foundation For Equal Families Present Government with 6,500 Postcards Calling for Equality for Same-Sex Relationships

The equality organizations EGALE (Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere) and the Foundation for Equal Families today presented the Hon. Hedy Fry, PC, MP with over 6,500 postcards addressed to the Prime Minister.

Titled "Equality—it’s about time", the colourful postcard depicts real-life gay and lesbian families, including their children and parents. The postcard points out that Canadians overwhelmingly believe that same-sex relationships should be treated equally before the law, and calls upon the Prime Minister to act now to change all federal laws that discriminate against same-sex couples and their children.

"The time has come for the Government of Canada to extend equality to all Canadians, regardless of their sexual orientation," said EGALE President Kim Vance. "Government policy should be based on the needs and responsibilities of actual families. Those in same-sex relationships are entitled to be treated with equal dignity and respect. The time has come for us to assume our place in Canadian society, fully recognized as the equals we are."

"The Foundation for Equal Families is currently challenging the unequal definition of ‘spouse’ in some 58 federal laws," added Bob Gallagher, Board-member with the Foundation for Equal Families. "The Courts have made it crystal-clear: treating those in same-sex relationships unequally is discrimination. We firmly believe, however, that it is the responsibility of Governments to be proactive in treating their citizens equally, rather than leaving important policy decisions up to the Courts. The time to act is now."

For further information:
Bob Gallagher, Foundation for Equal Families: (416) 392-4043
John Fisher, Executive Director, EGALE
Kim Vance, President, EGALE: (613) 230-1043
Thoren Hudyma, Office of the Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women): (819) 997-9900

MEDIA SPOKESPEOPLE:

(a) EGALE Representatives:
(c/o 613-230-1043, 613-291-5187)
B.C./Yukon: Cynthia Callahan and Dale Akerstrom
Prairies/NWT/Nunavut: Roz Ostendorf
Ontario: John Fisher
Quebec: Brent Bauer
Atlantic: Kim Vance

(b) Foundation for Equal Families Representatives:
(c/o 416-392-4043)
Bob Gallagher
Kerry Tromanhauser

(with thanks to: Pink Triangle Press, PFLAG, CLGRO, the Canadian Labour Congress, Rocket Design and the John Damien Educational Trust)

Egale Canada ©2011

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