# Same-sex marriage legal in Quebec: Ma belle province, c'est à ton tour... **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 19, 2004, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260 "2004-03-19T19:13:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**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:** [March 19, 2004, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/1 "2004-03-19T19:13:48Z")
…de te laisser parler d’amour! [from 365gay.com](http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/03/031904queMarry.htm): > [@](#): > > (Montreal, Quebec) Quebec’s highest court Thursday joined Ontario and British Columbia in ruling that the federal government’s definition of marriage is unconstitutional and that same-sex couples were entitled to marry. > > [snip] > > The original case in Quebec was brought by Montreal couple Michael Hendricks and Rene Leboeuf (pictured) who have been together for 30 years. The Court of Appeal said there was nothing to prevent the pair and other same-sex couples in Quebec from being granted marriage licenses and marrying. > > [snip] > > Quebec, unlike Ontario and B-C has a 20 day waiting period between the time a license is issued and a marriage can be performed. > > The couple is planning to be wed April 10. > > Today’s ruling puts more than two thirds of Canada’s population in provinces which allow same-sex marriage. ---
**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:** [March 19, 2004, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/2 "2004-03-19T19:43:41Z")
Great news, but it’s a pity that it’s apparently come [too late for a proper honeymoon](http://www.samesexmarriage.ca/legal/quebec_case/decision031804.htm), as Mr. Hendricks indicated yesterday. > [@](#): > > “It will be a sleepless night,” Michael Hendricks told us when he phoned to give us the news. “And at my age, that can’t be a good thing.” (Sorry.) Another benefit for Canadians – this can only help to reverse that cussed “Brain Drain,” eh? ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/3 "2004-03-19T19:48:31Z")
What wonderful news! ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/4 "2004-03-19T20:56:06Z")
:: claps in general direction of Québec :: ---
**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/5 "2004-03-19T21:09:16Z")
This decision means that something like 2/3 of Canadians live in provinces where SSM is legal if I recall a previous story on the topic correctly, yes? Meanwhile, back in the United States, we’re arresting people for marrying same-sex couples. \ Would y’all _please_ invade Wisconsin? Pleeeease? ---
**Author:** ![mnemosyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c4cdca/32.png) [@mnemosyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mnemosyne)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2004, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/6 "2004-03-19T22:31:40Z")
Wow. I am so glad to hear this! Bravo Québec! I am so proud of my home province right now! And I can’t help think that this will push the federal bill in the right direction - the government can’t ignore it much longer (though likely until after the election at least) and now they have the three most influential (sorry to non-Quebecers, Ontarians and British Columbians) provinces on the side of legalising same-sex marriage. Note, I do not follow politics, so maybe the above was complete BS, but I want to believe it right now! ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2004, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/7 "2004-03-20T01:51:49Z")
> [@Otto](#): > > This decision means that something like 2/3 of Canadians live in provinces where SSM is legal if I recall a previous story on the topic correctly, yes? > > Meanwhile, back in the United States, we’re arresting people for marrying same-sex couples. > > \ Would y’all _please_ invade Wisconsin? Pleeeease? Similarly, I’m willing to sell you all California at a _very_ attractive rate… ---
**Author:** ![Annie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/858c86/32.png) [@Annie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2004, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/8 "2004-03-20T04:42:28Z")
> [@Otto](#): > > \ Would y’all _please_ invade Wisconsin? Pleeeease? Poutine mortars! Rocket propelled nanaimo bars! 😃 ---
**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:** [March 20, 2004, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/9 "2004-03-20T05:46:15Z")
Ahem. We might be changing the date, but [the registry remains unchanged](http://shop.hbc.com/giftregistry/registry_inquiry/ItemList.asp?RegistryNumber=03771383&Event=WD). And _fabulous._ (OK, maybe we don’t need two Monopoly games.) ---
**Author:** ![CheekyMonkey613](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e480ec/32.png) [@CheekyMonkey613](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CheekyMonkey613)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2004, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/10 "2004-03-20T12:29:59Z")
I don’t think there’s ever been a time when I was more proud to say that I’m a quebecoise. It’s about damn time. ---
**Author:** ![Raygun99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Raygun99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raygun99)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2004, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/11 "2004-03-20T17:02:19Z")
> [@Otto](#): > > This decision means that something like 2/3 of Canadians live in provinces where SSM is legal if I recall a previous story on the topic correctly, yes? It’s more like 75%. ---
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2004, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/12 "2004-03-20T17:40:22Z")
> [@Annie](#): > > Poutine mortars! Rocket propelled nanaimo bars! 😃 Nah, we’ll pummel 'em with TimBits! 😃 ---
**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:** [March 20, 2004, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/13 "2004-03-20T20:39:49Z")
> [@roxx222](#): > > Nah, we’ll pummel 'em with TimBits! 😃 Yeah, roll up _this_ rim, G.W.! ---
**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:** [March 20, 2004, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/14 "2004-03-20T21:19:52Z")
> [@Annie](#): > > > [@Otto](#): > > > > \ Would y’all please invade Wisconsin? Pleeeease? > > Poutine mortars! Rocket propelled nanaimo bars! 😃 I dunno - those walls o’cheese make pretty strong fortifications… ---
**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2004, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/15 "2004-03-20T23:58:59Z")
So take flamethrowers to 'em and serve fondue at the wedding feasts. Otto, Canadian in waiting ---
**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:** [April 1, 2004, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/16 "2004-04-01T19:20:46Z")
Well, the 20-day period was waived, and [Michael and René](http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Hendricks_and_Ren%C3%A9_Leboeuf) [tied the knot today.](http://www.radiocanada.ca/nouvelles/Index/nouvelles/200404/01/005-MARIAGEGAI.shtml) They invited the general public to attend, so **Hamish** and I went and saw it. They are such an adorable couple! ---
**Author:** ![kung\_fu\_lola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f4b2a3/32.png) [@kung\_fu\_lola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kung_fu_lola)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2004, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/17 "2004-04-01T19:54:06Z")
Awesome! Wish I’d been there. ~ kfl, one half of The West End Lezzies (and **Eve** Appreciation Society) ---
**Author:** ![clayton\_e](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c57346/32.png) [@clayton\_e](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clayton_e)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2004, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/18 "2004-04-01T20:31:44Z")
Congrats, I’m hoping that here in the states people stop using the law to back up their personal prejudices and wake up to the fact that the religious right does not represent the average American. ---
**Author:** ![sibyl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b9e5f3/32.png) [@sibyl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sibyl)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2004, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/19 "2004-04-01T21:26:52Z")
Really helps restore my faith in humanity. You canadians have no idea how it is to live in a country that is socially still in the dark ages. ---
**Author:** ![Hamish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a5b964/32.png) [@Hamish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamish)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2004, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260/20 "2004-04-02T01:43:35Z")
It was really nifty. I’m dizzy from the speed of change. I’ve been out a little more than 11 years, and in that time, everything has changed – my legal rights, public acceptance, everything. I always find it so surreal when people tell me that the world doesn’t change, that no one can change it. I wonder what planet these people have been living on. I’m 27, and I’ve watched the world change so much, in so many ways, just because small groups of people were commited to a worthwhile cause… I better stop. I’m rambling aimlessly. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-sex-marriage-legal-in-quebec-ma-belle-province-cest-a-ton-tour/235260.md?page=2)