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Page: Profile: Wren's Nest News Local
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Article: 11454
[Civil]
Date Posted:
11/5/2004
8:06:26 pm EST
Wvox Stats
Views: 8,406
RSS: 1,032
Comments: 18
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Saskatchewan Becomes 7th Canadian Jurisdiction To Allow Same-Sex Marriage
Author: The Associated Press Source: Tampa Bay Online (FL)
Title: SASKATCHEWAN BECOMES SEVENTH CANADIAN JURISDICTION TO ALLOW SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
A Saskatchewan court ruling Friday made the Canadian prairie province the country's seventh jurisdiction to allow homosexuals to wed.
Justice Donna Wilson sided with courts in five other provinces and one territory, saying existing marriage laws discriminate against gay couples and were unconstitutional.
The Saskatchewan ruling came after five gay couples went to court seeking the right to wed. At least one couple have said they plan to say their vows as early as this weekend.
Courts in Quebec, British Columbia, Ontario, the Yukon, Manitoba and Nova Scotia have already ruled in the same way.
Additional Article Link: [Click HERE]
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Community Thoughts: There are 18 comments posted | Reverse Sort |
| Hats Off To Canada! | Nov 6th. at 10:38:17 pm EST |
by Alpha Kilo (Clearwater, FL) - wc_xemail
After all the depressing news we've heard this week in the states, between the elections and same-sex marriage bans, it it refreshing to hear of a place not too far off actually honoring people's rights. I will never understand why anything to do with sexuality, (other than making babies) is seen as such a disgraceful thing by so many in this land. We need to take a lesson in acceptance and tolerance from our neighbors to the north.
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| Truly Inspiring | Nov 6th. at 7:38:45 pm EST |
by Rowan Foxfyre (Indianapolis, In) - wc_xemail
While the US claims the titles of "Land of Opportunity" and, "Land of the Free" it seems as though our Canadian Bretheren are Doing it, Not just talking about it. Which is worse, physical cold, or the cold shoulder given when you ask for freedoms and are denied them on the basis of Religious Doctrine? How long will it be before the Falwells and Robertsons start talking about that "Great Satan" to the North?
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| Anti-gay Marriage Bill | Nov 6th. at 7:09:53 pm EST |
by Joshua (Canada) - wc_xemail
I honestly doubt that that bill will pass, I do think Ottawa will infringe on the desisions made by the highest provincial courts. And as it looks, the Supreme Court of Canada if for gay marriage, so I dont see how the christain right (aka Conservative) in parliment can change it - Liberals, NDP, and Bloc have pro gay marriage planks in their platform, no worries for me.
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| Oh, Canada...land Of Common Sense | Nov 6th. at 5:10:46 pm EST |
by Nothing (Maryland) - wc_xemail
Can you guys come down here to the 'States with some beer and a crowbar and help us get America's head out of it's proverbial ass?
I'm getting tired of the smell.
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| Ah, Saskatchewan... | Nov 6th. at 4:29:48 pm EST |
by Ani (WV) - wc_xemail
... I've heard such lovely things about Saskatchewan.
It's so tempting, so very tempting...
... but my husband doesn't want to go to Canada, and my family, my friends, my life, and my fight are here.
So be it. But...
Congratulations, Saskatchewan. My hat is off to you in your wisdom and true tolerance.
Any BGLT friends out there in my general area want to move?? I'll provide transportation in exchange for splitting the gas... just because I'd like to see it, if only just once.
Didn't one of John Steinbeck's characters say the same thing about Heaven?
Wistful sigh... That's OK. If They offer me Heaven when I die (They won't, but it's all theoretical) , I'd take a good look and then tell Them to send me back and give me work to do...
Be blessed.
--Ani
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| They Beat Us | Nov 6th. at 2:08:41 pm EST |
by Shadojack (Chicago) - wc_xemail
Why is it that the United States, land of democracy where someone is allowed by law life, liberty, and the pusuit of happiness always 20 years or more behind the rest of the industrial world in the field of civil rights?
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| Immigration | Nov 6th. at 1:39:15 pm EST |
by Chris Allen (Georgia, USA) - wc_xemail
You know, I am of two mind about people immigrating to Canada.
On the one hand, it's tempting to go live where the laws are against discrimination. It's human, when you think of your own life, your family, your loved ones, to want to do so. It can also be seen as a protest against discrimination in *this* country (U.S.) . I'll admit, my husband and I have thought about it ourselves (even though we hate cold weather) , because we are sickened by the environment of hate, the legal dispossession of some of our citizens, and the desire for our children to grow up in a place where freedom and rights are valued.
On the other hand, if we all leave, who will speak out? Who will fight? Who will try to teach those who are ignorant better? There's a lot of disinformation still out there, that the hate-mongers are using to fuel personal fear (mainly fear regarding sin and their own children's environment) in people who would otherwise not discriminate against someone.
There is also the fact that times, and people, DO change. In some ways it's like a marriage: you have to buckle down and weather the rough spots, and work hard, in order to preserve the love.
The problem is, the rough spots in this debate will probably go on for several years... and that's years that gay couples will be denied legal rights to health insurance, medical signing, property possession, child custody, death benefits...
And, the "smaller" issues like the text this woman WANTED inserted into the books creates an unvoiced sanction of discrimination and even hate crimes. THAT has to be fought.
My point is, while for some it might be the best personal decision to immigrate (especially if they've suffered a hate crime) , we also need people to stay here and fight. So, it's something that people should give a lot of thought to.
For those who move, Gods Bless you, and may you be happy and set an example (and send support!) from up North.
For those who stay, Gods Bless you and may you be given the strength for the long haul.
(And thank you to our Canadian family for giving asylum to those in need.)
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| And So Far... | Nov 6th. at 1:30:49 pm EST |
by Michael R. (AZ) - wc_xemail
...no meteorites.
Oh, Canada, may we all stand on guard for thee!!
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| Can We Claim Asylum In Canada? | Nov 6th. at 1:18:59 pm EST |
by Annie (Laurel, MD) - wc_xemail
I heard on the radio that the Canadian immigration website has received a massive amount of hits from U.S. addresses since Wednesday. I'm not surprised. I'll bet that a lot of gays, Pagans, and non-blue-state residents are starting to look at that option. Can we claim political asylum in Canada if they start coming after gays and Pagans down here?
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| Kudos! | Nov 6th. at 1:01:53 am EST |
by Chris Allen (Georgia, USA) - wc_xemail
Once again Canada looks to become a refuge for people of principle from the U.S. (just as it was for pacifists who refused to fight during the Viet Nam war) . While I'm not suggesting that floods of gay U.S. folks will come knocking at your door (I think most will prefer to stand and fight right here) , the refuge you offer is that of sanity amid what seems a world gone mad just south of your borders.
My husband and I were physically sickened when the vote came through in our state to discriminate against gays. We're now seeing textbook changes in Texas, and more to follow I'm sure, to reflect this "hetero marriage only" initiative.
I'd love to see a piece of art of Lady Liberty passing the torch to you---in fact, I think I'll try to do one, and see if our wonderful Witch's Voice folks might give it some space (I used to do editorial cartoons for my college paper) . The image I have in mind would be a powerful one.
Anyway, to those of us who are fighting for equal rights for ALL Americans, you Canadians have become a shining example of hope and of doing what is right. Bless you.
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| My Turf... | Nov 6th. at 12:31:20 am EST |
by Sedna (Saskatoon, Canada) - wc_xemail
...Saskatchewan, and proud of it! We would have been higher up on the list, but our challenging couple was a little slower off the mark than some others.
By the way, Canada started taking the North American lead at least as early as 1963 and by some accountings a good ten years earlier. It hasn't been hard to beat the States since McCarthyism got out of hand back in the '50's, despite the excellent and continuing good work of many U.S. citizens on issues of equality, democracy and human rights.
We remain imperfect, though. Ironically, our local Anglican (Episcopalian) bishop has just informed the Bridge City Chorus, an excellent choir whose membership happens to be largely gay, that they can't hold their fall concert in Saskatoon's Anglican cathedral because there's some dissent in the diocese about this very issue of sanctioning marriage between homosexual individuals. I don't know what that has to do with singing, and judging by today's editorial letters neither do many other local citizens. The choir's found an alternate venue in a United Church. I hadn't planned to attend, but now I think I'll have to find a babysitter that night; I have friends in the Chorus, and this seems an appropriate time to show some overt support.
Not that my presence will be needed, per se - I expect this year's concert attendance will be excellent. However, a human right is like any other issue fundamental to democracy. If you relax, if you let things slide, if you decide you aren't needed, or if you cynically decide that your actions don't count or won't change anything, you guarantee the loss of that right.
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| O Canada | Nov 6th. at 12:18:59 am EST |
by Just Me (Just Over There) - wc_xemail
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee
Now if we can just get the good ol' (boy) US of A to actually use their gray matter for something other than keeping their ears apart.
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| I Am Canadian! | Nov 6th. at 12:12:39 am EST |
by Shade (Manitoba, Canada) - wc_xemail
Yet one more thing that makes me glad I live in Canada. : ) Manitoba changed the laws a few months ago (not sure when, exactly - I really need to stay more on top of current events) . Hopefully the rest of the country won't have to fight province by province - but whatever it takes, I suppose. Just glad its happening at all...
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| It Finally Happened | Nov 5th. at 11:26:13 pm EST |
by BlackFlame (Charleston, SC (USA)) - wc_xemail
Canada finally surpassed the US in a numerous amount of ways with this. America has always claimed to be the land of the free, but Canada has actually made it that way. Congratulations! Maybe we can be more like you in the future. I'd sing your anthem, but all I know is "O'Canada." (I just like Canada a lot because I had a Canadian girlfriend at some point ^_^) .
Blessed Be,
BlackFlame
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| When Did We Become The Leader? | Nov 5th. at 11:25:54 pm EST |
by Wild_Huntsman (Toronto, Ontario) - wc_xemail
For most of our history, Canada has been the reactionary, conservative one, keeping our institutions, constitutional monarchy, slow to change.
All the excitement and leadership and social innovation used to come from the South.
What a strange feeling to suddenly be the one boldly charting new territory, new ideas and new explorations of rights and freedoms.
But a good feeling, definitely!
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