As Paul Martin gets closer to becoming Prime Minister, concerns about the fate of the same-sex marriage bill due come before parliament shortly increase.
Martin recently spoke about the same-sex marriage issue saying that civil unions would be acceptable, as distinct from marriage as prescribed in the Ontario Supreme Court ruling from earlier this summer. Toronto statistics show that between June 10 and July 15 same-sex marriage licences made up 12% of the licences issued, but with public opinion moving closer to 50-50 many MPs are shifting away from supporting the bill. Websites devoted to tracking how MPs are currently lined up to vote show 146 in favour and 155 against. This has prompted advocacy groups to launch lobbying efforts to ensure the passage of the bill. Failure of the bill would not change the law established by the courts in Ontario and BC freeing gays and lesbians to marry, but the political message would be unfavourable.
--NOEL BALDWIN
The Dominion is a monthly paper published by an incipient network of independent journalists in Canada. It aims to provide accurate, critical coverage that is accountable to its readers and the subjects it tackles. Taking its name from Canada's official status as both a colony and a colonial force, the Dominion examines politics, culture and daily life with a view to understanding the exercise of power.