Same-sex Marriage

Same-sex Marriage: A human right to be protected

The PSAC has long supported same-sex marriage. Our members, leadership and staff worked hard to ensure this right was enshrined in our collective agreements as well as in Canadian law.

When the right for same-sex couples to marry became law last July, most who live in Canada felt the matter had been settled for good. Then the election was called and, on the first day of campaigning, Stephen Harper put the issue back on the agenda.

In pledging to introduce legislation that would restore the “traditional definition of marriage,” the Conservative Party Leader stated that he would allow members of his caucus to vote as they wished.

Since Bill C-38 was passed into law in July, 2005, more than 3,000 same-sex marriages have taken place in this country. Harper has promised that his government would continue to recognize these marriages while taking this right away from those couples not yet married.

Any government that attempted to ban same-sex marriage would face some serious road blocks, including several court rulings in favour of same sex marriage and a ruling from the Supreme Court.

More importanty, however, all those who live in Canada must share the same rights, regardless of sexual orientation. We need a federal government that will not seek to strip same-sex couples of this fundamental human right.

Ask the candidates

Would your government revisit the issue of same-sex marriage?

If same-sex marriage is once again put before the House of Commons, will you vote to make sure this Human Right will be protected?

Would your government use the notwithstanding clause to deny same sex marriage?

Download this issue sheet as a below.

samesex-e.pdf