same sex marriage in Canada

Canada is currently grappling with a same sex marriage bill. Bill C-38 was introduced by the Federal Government on February 1 and is expected to take six months to pass through three readings, a committee and the Senate. In order to protect religious freedom, in accordance with the Canadian Charter, the bill guarantees that no religious official will be forced to perform same sex marriages.

The vote is a conscience vote, but Cabinet MP's are expected - and have been told - to vote for the bill. Some MPs who oppose same sex marriage say they intend to vote according to the will of their constituents. Currently, MPs from British Columbia are split on the issue; about 80 percent of MPs from the prairies are voting against it; roughly 60 percent of Ontario MPs are voting for it; and MPs from the Maritimes and territories are largely split on the vote.

The Globe and Mail recently surveyed MP's, and noted that 139 MPs said they would vote in favour of legislation, 118 MPs said they would vote against the legislation, while 49 are undecided. The bill needs the support of 154 MPs to pass into law.

But 99 percent of Quebec MPs are said to support the bill. Almost a quarter of Canada’s population resides in Quebec, an area most likely to support same sex marriage as it has a large gay-friendly population.

Prime Minister Paul Martin does not want Cabinet MP's to have a free vote in case the bill is scuttled. This may happen anyway, if most of the Liberals decide to vote according to the will of their constitutents. One recent national poll noted that 66 percent of the population wanted marriage to be restricted to a heterosexual relationship.