JUSTICE MINISTER'S SWIFT ACTION TO RECOGNIZE SAME-SEX MARRIAGES BETWEEN NON-RESIDENTS A GREAT FIRST STEP

Egale Canada commends Minister Nicholson and calls for continuing dialogue

Toronto: Egale Canada is very pleased with today's announcement by Justice Minister Rob Nicholson that the Civil Marriage Act will be amended to ensure that all marriages performed in Canada are recognized in Canada, regardless of whether those marriages are recognized in a couple's home jurisdiction. Out of concern for the thousands of same-sex couples who were drawn to Canada as a beacon for social justice and a welcoming place where their love could be celebrated and openly recognized, Egale sincerely hopes that the Government of Canada will act swiftly to resolve all uncertainty surrounding this issue.

'The Government of Canada's rapid response to this issue has been extremely encouraging," said Helen Kennedy, Executive Director of Egale Canada. "We see this as a good first step toward opening dialogue between this government and the LGBT community in Canada. We are open and eager to meet with this majority government to build a credible relationship that is not based on fear."

While today's announcement is heartening, it does leave a couple of issues unresolved:

1. The promised amendments to the Civil Marriage Act to confirm the validity of same-sex marriages performed in Canada between non-residents must be made retroactive to ensure that the thousands of same-sex couples who have married since 2001 do not face the same uncertainty and anxiety in the future.
2. The Divorce Act must also be amended to waive the residency requirement for couples who were married in Canada, so that all marriages performed in Canada can also be dissolved in Canada.

The sudden emergence of this issue has caused intense anxiety for thousands of lesbian and gay couples around the world who were married in Canada and who rely on the legal validity of their marriage to acquire rights and relationship recognition in their countries of residence. Minister Nicholson is to be commended for recognizing the distress that had been caused and for acting swiftly to alleviate all anxiety. Egale Canada looks forward to continuing the conversation about remaining gaps in Canada's legislative and human rights regime to ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people are adequately and equally protected.

For more information:
Helen Kennedy, Egale Canada, 416-270-1999/416-964-7887 ext. 21
Douglas Elliott, 416-271-3052
Cynthia Petersen, 416-979-6440
Brent Hawkes, 416-406-6228 ext. 199

Egale Canada ©2011

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