On s'excuse, ce document n'est pas disponible en français.

Press Release

November 30, 2004

Equal Marriage Comes to South Africa

Unanimous court rules excluding same-sex couples is wrong

Ottawa—Today a five-judge panel of the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa ordered that the common-law definition of marriage in South Africa be immediately changed to “the union of two persons to the exclusion of all others for life.” The change was made based on the evolution of the common law. The plaintiff couple, Marié Adriaana Fourie and Cecelia Johanna Bonthuys, did not include a constitutional challenge in their claim, despite South Africa’s Constitution having explicit protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation.

“This decision shows that the time has come for equal marriage for same-sex couples,” said Laurie Arron, Director of Advocacy of Egale. “Around the world, progressive nations are changing their laws to permit same-sex couples to marry.”

“This decision is especially important because it was not based on a constitutional challenge, but rather on the incremental development of the common law,” added Mr. Arron. “This is important because many countries don’t have a constitutional guarantee of equality. Now, the door is opened even wider for other countries to move forward into equal marriage.”

“The Court made a powerful argument that South Africa’s history of oppression underlies the nation’s current aspiration to end division, injustice and exclusion,” said Cicely McWilliam of Canadians for Equal Marriage. “It made a clear link between the oppression of apartheid and the injustice of excluding same-sex couples from marriage.”

A survey released July 1 by the Centre for Research and Information on Canada and Environics found that the number of Canadians agreeing that gays and lesbians should be allowed to get married has increased. Currently, 57% agree, the highest level since CRIC first asked the question two years ago. The number disagreeing currently stands at 38%. (see New Canada survey at http://www.cric.ca/en_html/index.html)

For more info:

Laurie Arron, Egale Canada
613-230-1043 (o), 416-839-7178 (c)

Cicely McWilliam, Canadians for Equal Marriage
416-928-1238

Egale Canada ©2011

Égale Canada est l'organisme national de défense des droits des personnes LGBT, voué à la promotion de l'égalité, de la diversité, de l'éducation et de la justice.