Canada poised to legalize gay marriage
Associated Press (via ABC News):
TORONTO -- Canada is set to become the third country to legalize gay marriage, with Parliament likely to pass landmark legislation Tuesday despite strong opposition from Conservatives and religious leaders.Although gay marriage already is legal in seven provinces, the bill would grant all same-sex couples in Canada the same legal rights as those in traditional heterosexual unions. The Netherlands and Belgium already allow gay marriage.
The legislation, drafted by Prime Minister Paul Martin's minority government, needs at least 155 members of the House of Commons to gain a majority of the 308-seat House. While some of his Liberal lawmakers have said they will not back the legislation, enough allies in other parties have indicated they would support the bill when it comes to a vote.
There are an estimated 34,000 gay and lesbian couples in Canada, according to government statistics.
The vote is set for 8 p.m. EDT. Meanwhile, a cabinet minister, Joe Comuzzi, has resigned so that he can vote against the legislation. According to the Toronto Star,
Comuzzi visited the prime minister's Parliament Hill office to say he wanted to give up his cabinet job and become a Liberal backbencher.Cabinet ministers are required to support the government legislation and face expulsion from the ministry for breaking ranks.
But as a backbencher, Comuzzi is at liberty to vote as he pleases.
The bill, C-38, is expected to pass, according to the Star.
(Link to Toronto Star requires registration.)