Same Sex Marriage In British Columbia

''', the British Columbia Court of Appeals ruled that denial of Marriage licences to same-sex couples was a violation of the Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms . Like preceding rulings in Ontario and Quebec , this ruling was stayed for two years to allow the federal government time to amend the laws to conform with the decision.

In June 2003, the Ontario Court of Appeals struck down the stay of decision and brought the ruling into force immediately. Shortly thereafter, the B.C. Court of Appeal issued a new ruling, quite similar to the Ontario ruling, on July 8 2003.

This ruling stated that "any further delay… will result in an unequal application of the law between Ontario and British Columbia." A few hours after the announcement, Antony Porcino and Tom Graff became the first two men to be legally wed in British Columbia.

In 2003, there were 735 same-sex marriages in British Columbia. Of those 1470 married, more couples resided in the United States than in Canada. {Link without Title}

On '' still defined marriage as being between a man and a woman.

Polls have shown that British Columbia is one of two provinces where 60% of residents agree with the idea of same-sex marriage. Quebec is also at 60%.

EXTERNAL LINKS

Same Sex Marriage in Canada

''Barbeau v. British Columbia (A.G.) 2003 BCCA 406'' (Court of Appeal for BC 8 July 2003 ) - text of the ruling (canlii.ca)

''The Globe and Mail''

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Same Sex Marriage In British Columbia