Canadians for Equal Marriage

Release

Canadians for Equal Marriage / Canadiens et Canadiennes pour le droit egal au marriage

September 12, 2003

It’s a fight for Human Rights
Canada is at an historic moment. We could soon become a leader in human rights internationally by legalizing same-sex marriage across the country. Or, Parliament could deal rights for Canadian lesbians and gays their biggest set-back ever.

The federal government has announced it will be introducing legislation to provide same-sex couples with equal access to civil marriage. Without our active involvement, the legislation is in serious jeopardy.

The religious right is using this issue to mobilize across the country against lesbian and gay rights. On September 17th, the Alliance Party will move a motion against same-sex marriage. This will be the first critical vote. The motion will be a “free vote”, so you can help make a difference.

MPs are being overwhelmed by the other side
We are told that messages opposing same-sex marriage greatly outnumber supportive ones. Many undecided MPs remain convinced that they will lose votes in the upcoming election if they vote for equal marriage. They need to see much more support in their ridings before they’ll come out in favour.

Mobilizing support for same-sex marriage
Canadians for Equal Marriage is a national advocacy campaign to ensure passage of the federal legislation. We are working with partners in each province, building on the previous work of EGALE Canada.

Canadians for Equal Marriage is a multi-partisan campaign with members of all political stripes, including those with no political affiliation. We have adopted an Equal Marriage Statement of Principle:

For many Canadians, marriage is a profoundly meaningful way to demonstrate love and commitment. Denying anyone that choice is simply not fair. Same-sex couples should have the freedom to marry in a civil ceremony and to have that marriage legally recognized, and religious communities should have the freedom to perform or not perform such marriages.

We are undertaking grassroots lobbying efforts. This will include organizing in the 301 federal ridings across Canada, running a media campaign and lobbying in Ottawa.

Canadians for Equal Marriage has begun with the active involvement of many groups and individuals, including EGALE, the Canadian Federation of Students, the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, CUPE and PFLAG Canada (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).

There will be a media launch of Canadians for Equal Marriage prior to the first critical vote in Parliament on September 17th.

Our Action Website: www.equal-marriage.ca

We have 4 STEPS to ensure EQUAL MARRIAGE:

STEP 1: E-MAIL MPs now!
Our website gives you the immediate ability to e-mail your MP (even if you don’t know who your MP is). At the same time, you can e-mail ALL 301 MPs with a single button. We give you a choice of letters, or the ability to write your own text. MPs need to hear directly from you today.

STEP 2: ENDORSE Equal Marriage
We are building a Supporters List to show that believe in equality comes from all segments of Canadian life. Our list will be used publicly to advocate for equal marriage. Our website has the ability for individuals, organizations and (possibly married) couples to easily endorse the Equal Marriage Statement on-line.

STEP 3: DONATE to Canadians for Equal Marriage
Soon, you will be able to donate on-line by credit card. For now, you can donate by mail or by phone.

STEP 4: GET INVOLVED in the Campaign (or bring the campaign to your town)
Currently, we have Canadians for Equal Marriage chapters forming in over 25 cities and towns across the country, including in every province. Sign-up to join our team in your area, or offer to help set-up a local Canadians for Equal Marriage.

Financial contributions needed
Even the best plans fail without funding. Opponents of gay marriage have tremendous resources. We need your financial contributions to make our work possible. Soon, you will be able to donate on-line at www.equal-marriage.ca. Now, you can donate by phone at 416-972-7481, or by sending a cheque, made payable to “Canadians for Equal Marriage”, to our Toronto office at 410 Sherbourne Street, Main Floor, M4X 1K2. Credit cards accepted.

For more information
Bob Gallagher (416-456-4043, bob@equal-marriage.ca) or Laurie Arron (416-839-7178, laurie@egale.ca).

Egale Canada ©2011

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