# Majority of Canadians support gay marriage - Queer Canucks do the happy dance **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 26, 2002, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897 "2002-07-26T07:57:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2002, 10:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/21 "2002-07-27T10:03:39Z")
Fidel Castro and straight marriage were not two images I wanted to have at the same time, either, **matt.** Where’s Puking Smilie when you need it? ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2002, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/22 "2002-07-27T17:06:50Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by matt\_mcl \* > \*\*Okay, Fidel Castro and gay marriage were not two images I wanted to have at the same time… \*\* Tsk, tsk. Whatever happened to openness, **matt**? If Fidel is finally going to take the big step of coming out of the closet, and announce his long-term commitment to some comrade in arms from the Revolution, don’t you think he needs support, not criticism? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Hamish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a5b964/32.png) [@Hamish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamish)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2002, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/23 "2002-07-27T18:06:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by pldennison \* > \*\*Just FTR in regards to the overall poll results, 48 percent is not a majority of Canadians, it is a plurality of Canadians. > > Either way, WTG Canada! \*\* I think my roommate and dear friend has mixed up two headlines – the other being “majority of _young_ Canadians [aged 25-34] support gay marriage.” Pollara found that figure to be 65%. The pollster said that given the enthusiastic support among young people, gay marriage in Canada was “inevitable” because it would only gain support in the long term. The poll was taken by the Liberal government because of an Ontario ruling that concluded that not allowing same sex marriage was unconstitutional. The Liberals have two days left to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court. They commissioned the poll to get a sense of the public’s opinion. If the Liberals do not appeal, the government has two years to write a non-heterosexist definition of marriage that allows gays and lesbians to marry. If the government doesn’t do it, the court will write it at the end of the two years. If it does, the Supreme Court will simply pass down the same decision – everyone knows that, including the Liberals. But Prime Minister Chrétien wants to know if he should stall for a few extra years or let it happen. So gay marriage will be here, sooner or later, in this country. We’ll know Monday if it’s sooner or later. ---
**Author:** ![Hamish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a5b964/32.png) [@Hamish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamish)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2002, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/24 "2002-07-27T18:36:57Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Hamish \* > **If the Liberals do not appeal, the government has two years to write a non-heterosexist definition of marriage that allows gays and lesbians to marry. If the government doesn’t do it, the court will write it at the end of the two years. If it does, the Supreme Court will simply pass down the same decision – everyone knows that, including the Liberals.** _ahem_ To clarify – sentence two means “If the government doesn’t _write a non-heterosexist definition of marriage_…” Sentence three should read, “If the governement does _appeal_…” ---
**Author:** ![scott\_evil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/91b2a8/32.png) [@scott\_evil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scott_evil)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2002, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/25 "2002-07-27T19:01:21Z")
I’m certainly not surprised. I knew this was coming. I think the next thing will be legalizing pot - for everyone. Even though I’m convinced I’ll die an old spinster, if I do meet the man of my dreams, I’ll certainly consider marrying him. Why not? Hell, let’s have a huge part-ay! **matt\_mcl** , will you be my bridesmaid? I’m thinking lavender and frilly for your dress… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2002, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/26 "2002-07-28T04:22:09Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by matt\_mcl \* > \*\*Okay, Fidel Castro and gay marriage were not two images I wanted to have at the same time… \*\* Really, **matt** , I thought you were more sophisticated than that. It’s not a _real_ marriage-- it’s just a _beard_. [sup](Feel free to throw fruit.)[/sup] ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2002, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/27 "2002-07-28T04:56:53Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by scott evil \* > \*\* **matt\_mcl** , will you be my bridesmaid? I’m thinking lavender and frilly for your dress… 😉 \*\* I always pictured **Matt** in peach myself… Perhaps with a butt bow. (I wonder if they can put a butt bow on a tux?) ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2002, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/28 "2002-07-28T05:02:15Z")
“I, myself don’t have any phobia against homosexuals. I’ve never felt that phobia and I’ve never promoted or supported policies against homosexuals…I’ve always had a more rational approach, considering [homosexuality] to be one of the natural aspects and tendencies of human beings and should be respected…I am absolutely opposed to any form of repression, contempt, scorn or discrimination with regard to homosexuals.” -Fidel Castro, in “Face To Face With Fidel Castro” by Tomás Borge Ocean Press, 1992 (Of course gays were still purged despite this rhetoric.) ---
**Author:** ![Cerowyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/82dd89/32.png) [@Cerowyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cerowyn)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2002, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/29 "2002-07-28T12:46:32Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by WV\_Woman \* > \*\*I figured you could figure it out on your own. > > My point was that Canadians don’t always have the best judgment. > > There. Better? \*\* Would you care to shed a little light on that stunning bit of prejudice? ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2002, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/30 "2002-07-28T19:07:51Z")
> [@](#): > > I always pictured Matt in peach myself… > > Perhaps with a butt bow. (I wonder if they can put a butt bow on a tux?) _flees in terror from male and female Ladies Gone Mad_ ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2002, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/31 "2002-07-28T19:50:18Z")
Hum, here’s something interesting: > [@](#): > > The federal government is considering handing over the responsibility of marriage to religious institutions, a newspaper report said Sunday. > > It’s one of four proposals being considered by the Justice Department in the wake of an Ontario court ruling recognizing gay and lesbian unions, according to the National Post. [(Full story from cbc.ca)](http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2002/07/27/marriage_fed020727) ---
**Author:** ![scott\_evil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/91b2a8/32.png) [@scott\_evil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scott_evil)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2002, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/32 "2002-07-28T19:51:42Z")
Butt bow on a tux? No, he’ll be wearing a **dress**. Frilly, lacy, and dainty, just like he is. 😛 My maid of honor will be my best friend Ryan (the guy who foisted Bunny on me), and the best man will be **depgrl**. Hilarity shall ensue! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2002, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/33 "2002-07-28T20:06:51Z")
**matt** , that’s one of the most ass-backwards things I’ve seen in a while. Grasping at straws there. “We can’t get away with being blinkered and reactionary, because governments are supposed to be above that… Let’s delegate this one to people who are _supposed_ to be blinkered and reactionary.” 😕 ---
**Author:** ![Venoma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/c4cdca/32.png) [@Venoma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Venoma)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2002, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/34 "2002-07-28T21:05:10Z")
Hmm. If they hand marriage over to religious institutions, how can atheists marry? ---
**Author:** ![Hamish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a5b964/32.png) [@Hamish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamish)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2002, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/35 "2002-07-29T01:55:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Venoma \* > \*\*Hmm. > > If they hand marriage over to religious institutions, how can atheists marry? \*\* You’re right **Venoma**. Something like that would violate sections 2b (the right to freedom of belief and opinion) and 15 (freedom from discrimination – religion) of the Charter of Rights and Freedom, and it would implode with the first court challenge. That’s not to say Chrétien wouldn’t do it – his government’s passed unconstituional bills before as a stalling tactic so he could put off debate. And since when is the CBC quoting the _National Post_? That paper has editorial standards that make _The Enquirer_ look like _the New York times_. ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2002, 9:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/36 "2002-07-30T09:57:19Z")
From the [Canadian Press](http://www.canoe.ca/NationalTicker/CANOE-wire.Same-Sex-Marriage.html): > [@](#): > > Ottawa’s decision Monday to appeal a controversial court ruling that clears the way for same-sex marriage was jeered by gays and lesbians as well as some opposition MPs. > Critics accused the federal government of wasting millions of tax dollars to uphold discrimination against gays and lesbians. > … > The reaction was swift after Justice Minister Martin Cauchon said that until society agrees on the definition of marriage, his department must challenge an Ontario court ruling. > … > “We had a unanimous ruling from the court and still the > government is committed to wasting millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money fighting to maintain discrimination against its own citizens,” said John Fisher, executive director of the lobby group Equality for Gays and Lesbians (EGALE). > … > “At present, there is no consensus, either from the > courts or among Canadians, on whether or how the laws require change[,” said Justice Minister Martin Cauchon.] > “The government believes it is the responsible course to > seek further clarity on these issues.” I say again: argh. :mad: You know, there was never any consensus on official bilingualism, either. Still isn’t. We went ahead and did that anyway, because it was JUST, dammit. Wake the smeg up. :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2002, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/37 "2002-07-30T12:30:39Z")
This appeal clears the way to provide same sex marriage across Canada without the government having to take a stand on the issue. The Ontario court decision is not binding outside of Ontario. If the SCC makes the same ruling, it will be binding nationally. It’s a great pity that the government will not take a stand in support of families and equality for all regardless of orientation, but seeing as it is unwilling to do so, at least the SCC can deal with the issue. Gay marriage may be coming in the back door, but at least it’s coming. (Don’t 'cha love puns!) Pity the government is unwilling to take the lead. ---
**Author:** ![Venoma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/c4cdca/32.png) [@Venoma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Venoma)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2002, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/38 "2002-07-30T12:50:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Muffin \* > \*\*Gay marriage may be coming in the back door, but at least it’s coming. (Don’t 'cha love puns!) Pity the government is unwilling to take the lead. \*\* Hee hee 😃 Does this mean Chretien’s a bottom? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Venoma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/c4cdca/32.png) [@Venoma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Venoma)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2002, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/39 "2002-07-30T12:51:35Z")
Hold on. I already know the man’s an ass, I guess I answered my own question! (Don’t mind me, I’m feeling rather giddy this morning…) ---
**Author:** ![Weird\_AL\_Einstein](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c67d28/32.png) [@Weird\_AL\_Einstein](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weird_AL_Einstein)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2002, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897/40 "2002-07-30T13:14:55Z")
I have two questions here I would like to ask, just to satisfy my own curiosity, if I may: What was the exact wording of the poll? The article linked in the OP didn’t say. Also, on what clause or clauses of the Canadian constitution (Is that the right word? Or should I say “Charter of Rights and Freedoms”?) was this ruling based? Also, I think the point **WV\_Woman** was trying to make, however ham-handedly, was that just because a majority, or a plurality, of people believe something doesn’t make it right. I am quite sure that all of us here can think of issues on which we disagree, even disagree passionately, with the majority. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/majority-of-canadians-support-gay-marriage-queer-canucks-do-the-happy-dance/120897.md?page=3)