Press Release

July 20, 2000

B.C. Supports Same-Sex Couples’ Right to Marry

Lesbian and Gay Organizations Announce Legal Proceedings to Secure Equal Marriage

The Government of British Columbia announced today that it is issuing legal proceedings to challenge any restrictions on the right of same-sex couples to marry. The Government is of the view that same-sex couples should have the equal right to marry, and that any law restricting that right is both unfair and unconstitutional.

“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 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. But it’s up to the federal government to right this wrong, and we’re extremely pleased that the BC Government has committed to arguing in support of equal marriage in court.”

EGALE (Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere), a national organization committed to advancing equality for lesbian, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people, will be issuing legal proceedings on behalf of a number of couples seeking the right to marry;

• the Government of British Columbia will be supporting EGALE’s legal position before the Courts that it is unconstitutional for same-sex couples to be denied the equal right to marry.
• EGALE is interested in hearing from other couples seeking the right to marry, and EGALE may be contacted at 1-888-204-7777 or egale.canada@egale.ca.

“The B.C. Government’s commitment to supporting equal marriage rights for same-sex couples is historic”, said John Fisher, Executive Director of EGALE (Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere), a national organization which advances equality and justice for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people. “With the support of the Government of British Columbia, EGALE will be issuing legal proceedings to challenge any federal restrictions on the right to same-sex couples to marry and celebrate our relationships equally.”

The Attorney General of B.C. has issued a written statement supporting the right of same-sex couples to marry, in response to an application for a marriage licence by EGALE Board-member Cynthia Callahan and her partner Judy Lightwater.

In a written statement issued by B.C. Attorney General Andrew Petter has made clear that the B.C. government supports the equal right to marry of same-sex 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.”

This is the first time a Canadian government has ever expressed the view that same-sex couples should have an equal right to marry.

For further information:
Cynthia Callahan, EGALE Board Member: (250) 388-9189
Judy Lightwater: (250) 598-6034
Cynthia Petersen, Counsel for EGALE: (416) 979-6440
John Fisher, EGALE Executive Director: 1-888-204-7777

Egale Canada ©2011

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