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The courts will do their job and protect our rights when politicians like Martin and Cotler stand by the side-lines, failing in their duties.
"We
are now considering a change in strategy, to proceed with a similar application
in Nova Scotia in the near future, rather than wait for the Reference."
"Both
of us have constantly and consistently stood up and said that we are a couple
and we want to have what we deserve as a couple."
|
Adovcacy News - Halifax Pride - 2004 July 26, 2004 Halifax
Pride: the next great leap forward Although Prime Minister Paul Martin and Justice Minister Irwin Cotler have said that same-sex marriage must by allowed under our Charter, the pair are responsible for the ongoing discrimination experienced by gay and lesbian couples who cannot marry in their home province if they live outside of Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, or Yukon. One lesson learned by the LGBT community is that we must fight for every advance we make towards ending government-sanctioned discrimination. The courts will do their job and protect our rights when politicians like Martin and Cotler stand by the side-lines, failing in their duties.
We
were in Nova Scotia last week where we have worked with local activists, speaking
at universities and marching in parades.
This is an area that has an energized and active community of advocates and supporters.
We were "We are now considering a change in strategy, to proceed with a similar application in Nova Scotia in the near future, rather than wait for the Reference," said Sean Foreman, chair of the Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project, in a July 15 update.
Citing the Yukon decision, Foreman has written to the Nova Scotia Attorney General and to Irwin Cotler (Federal Attorney General), "demanding that the Province of Nova Scotia immediately begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples." Metropolitan Community Church Safe Harbour
We
had a chance to worship with our friends at Safe
Harbour MCC this year. We were thrilled to find representatives from Unitarian,
United, and Baptist congregations, all of whom had achieved, or were Rev. Young (pictured at right, between Joe Varnell and Kevin Bourassa) presented a Pride award to Ross Boutilier and Brian Mombourquette for their years of service to the community. The couple has been visible advocates for relationship recognition, with marriage being their ultimate goal (the couple has refrained from seeking marriage elsewhere, wishing instead to be legally married in Nova Scotia). After accepting the honour from Rev. Young, Brian explained how the couple has sustained years of advocacy on behalf of equality.
MCC Safe Harbour member Sam Wilson was also honoured for his work on behalf of human rights (and in his spare time, his support of a food bank!). "I came to this church and I found a sense of community," Sam said, "I found a sense of pride." Halifax Pride Thousands more experienced that sense of pride at this year's Pride parade. The event was even bigger than last year, with sunny skies through-out pride weekend. We were thrilled to return to Halifax this year courtesy of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) and the Halifax Pride Committee.
The
Rev.
Dr. Eldon Hay was honoured as this year's grand marshall for the Halifax Pride
parade. Eldon led the parade, in his colourful trademark pride hat and cape, waving to the crowds that included people he helped to make feel more welcome and a part of the community in days gone by when our straight allies were fewer than they are today. "The Canadian Government must uphold the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and ensure equality and justice for all Canadians. This is especially true for children - they should not have to suffer because of ignorance and bigotry. The importance of creating a loving nonjudgmental society that embraces diversity cannot be overstated," Eldon said when he introduced the equal marriage PSAs on our web site. Thanks to the great groundwork laid in the courts of Ontario, B.C., Quebec and Yukon, many dedicated advocates in Nova Scotia seem poised to remove the last remaining resistance to same-sex marriage. With or without the proactive support of the federal government, marriage equality remains a priority, and Nova Scotians see it within grasp, the next leap forward in equality. Our thanks to CIBC, Halifax Pride, Jay Thordarson, Ray Taavel, Safe Harbour MCC Halifax, Rev. Young, Nicky and Sue Perkins, Lord Nelson Hotel, Eldon Hay. | |||||||||
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