The federal election will be held on January 23, 2006, and LGBT equality hangs in the balance.

On the very first day of the election campaign, Stephen Harper announced that if he becomes Prime Minister he will re-open the equal marriage issue and ask Parliament to take away our equal right to marry.

We at Egale are doing all we can to ensure the next Parliament continues to advance our equality, rather than roll back the clock. We are working riding by riding to ensure that supportive MPs are elected and MPs who seek to deny equal rights are defeated.

We can only succeed with your support!! We need your help to make Parliament a place of progress and not the home of equality roll-backs!

Read more at egale.ca.

The Question of the Week in the Prince George Citizen is: Are you in favour of restoring Canada's traditional definition of marriage as the union between a man and a woman?

Take a moment to visit their website and make your voice heard. ( the poll is on the right hand side)

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - South Africa's highest court ruled in favor of gay marriage Thursday, a landmark decision that clears the way for the country to become the first to legalize same-sex unions on a continent where homosexuality remains largely taboo.

The decision does not take immediate effect, however. The Constitutional Court, which decided it is unconstitutional to prohibit gays from marrying, gave Parliament a year to make the necessary legal changes. That disappointed gay rights activists, some of whom have been waiting years to wed.

"We were thinking we would be calling our friends today and inviting them to our wedding," said Fikile Vilakazi, of the Forum for the Empowerment of Women, who proposed to her partner more than six months ago. "Now they are asking us to wait another year."

South Africa recognized the rights of gay people in the constitution adopted after apartheid ended in 1994 — the first in the world to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. But the government has opposed attempts to extend the definition of marriage in court to include same-sex couples in the mostly Christian country.

Married couples have many rights denied gay couples, including the ability to make decisions on each other's behalf in medical emergencies and inheritance rights if a partner dies without a will.

In delivering Thursday's ruling, Judge Albie Sachs said current legal definitions of marriage as a union between a man and a woman "are accordingly inconsistent with sections ... of the Constitution to the extent that they make no provision for same-sex couples to enjoy the status, entitlements and responsibilities they accord to heterosexual couples."

The court instructed Parliament to extend the legal definition within a year, or else the courts would automatically do so, the South African Press Association reported.

Judge Kate O'Regan agreed with the other 10 members of the court that same-sex marriage should be legal but argued in a separate opinion that the court should effect the changes immediately — a view shared by gay rights groups.

One fear is that during the coming months lawmakers could attempt to water down the decision by introducing a different category of marriage for same-sex couples, Vilakazi said. Proposals previously mooted in Parliament include the introduction of "civil unions," which would provide the same legal benefits as marriage but not oblige religious institutions to solemnize them, she told The Associated Press.

Some Christian groups already are arguing that Thursday's ruling goes too far.

"South Africa has a very strong traditional and conservative population," said Steven Swart, spokesman for the tiny African Christian Democratic Party. "We as Christian Democrats believe we should treat all people with compassion, but there are certain guidelines that we stand by: Marriage is a union between a man and women."

Rhema Church Pastor Ray McCauley said: "It is a sad day for South Africa when the very bedrock foundation of society, the family, is redefined by a court. We believe that the majority of South Africans do not agree with this decision."

Thursday's ruling was in response to a government appeal against a Supreme Court ruling last year that said a lesbian couple's union should be recognized. There was no immediate government comment on the decision.

Marie Fourie and Cecelia Bonthuys, a couple from Pretoria, took their case to court after the government refused to recognize their October 2002 wedding on the basis of the common-law definition of marriage. They were not in court Thursday.

November 24th

Thanks to Steve Houston, GLBT Regional Council Rep, for forwarding this pamphlet, produced by Canadian Heritage and Parks Canada. OUT and ABOUT: Towards a Better Understanding of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered People in the Workplace. This 32 page .pdf document contains the following sections:

Being Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgendered in the Workplace

• To be out or not to be out, that is the question
• Understanding one another
• Living with homophobia

Improving the Well-Being of GLBT Persons in the Workplace

• Respect diversity
• Come out at work
• Know your rights and responsibilities
• Benefits
• Resolving conflict

Download it below.

outandabout_e.pdf

Many people think now that equal marriage is the law of the land, the fight for equality is over. Far from it! There is much work to be done before we can all live our lives openly, honestly and without fear about our sexual orientation or gender identity.

Young people are especially vulnerable, and the vast majority of school environments are unsafe for LGBT kids and children of LGBT parents. "That's so gay" is a phrase that's heard in schoolyards across the country. In most schools, nothing is done to counter this put-down or the taunts, harassment and bullying that so often accompany it. Many students live in fear.

Egale is embarking on our biggest project ever, making schools safe for ALL children. Unlike marriage, this isn't as simple as changing one federal law. We must take action province by province, and school board by school board.

Opponents of equality know that schools are the next key battleground in the struggle for acceptance of LGBT people. They made clear to Parliamentarians during the equal marriage campaign that schools would be their next focus. They said they are entitled, in their words, "to teach their children their values and their moral beliefs without state interference."

>> Please help Egale. Go to http://www.egale.ca/donate  and donate today. <<

Throughout his years in high school, Azmi Jubran was incessantly taunted and teased by his peers, bombarded with homophobic slurs like "gay", "faggot" and "queer", punched, pushed and spat upon. He brought a human rights complaint against his school board, who appealed right up to the Supreme Court of Canada. Last week, the Supreme Court denied leave to appeal to the North Vancouver School Board, meaning the ruling by the B.C. Court of Appeal is now final and binding.

The B.C. Court of Appeal said school boards have an obligation to take proactive measures to ensure a safe school environment for LGBT students and children of LGBT parents. But these measures will not happen on their own. Someone has to keep the pressure up. Someone has to monitor what's going on and take strategic action.

In Calgary last Saturday, leaders of the religious right like Bishop Fred Henry held a huge fundraiser to support Pastor Stephen Boissoin, who has declared war against the "perverse, self-centered and morally deprived" homosexual activists because "children as young as five and six years of age are being subjected to psychologically and physiologically damaging pro-homosexual literature and guidance in the public school system; all under the fraudulent guise of equal rights."

Pastor Boissoin is determined to prevent schools from teaching tolerance and having a more inclusive curriculum. Unfortunately, he's wrong about the extent of these programs. Most schools have not taken action to counter anti-LGBT prejudice and remain hostile to LGBT people and their children.

Opponents of equality are mobilizing. If you think equal marriage encountered strong opposition, just wait until the fight moves closer to home, directly impacting their children!

Until now, there has been no national organization leading the charge to make safe schools a reality. Local groups have made substantial progress, but it's time for a national strategy.

Local groups need easy access to what's going on elsewhere in Canada, and they need support in their work from an organization with resources, strength and experience. A national organization is needed to bring together LGBT and non-LGBT organizations and individuals to speak out in support of safe schools, and to have a strong voice in the media.

Egale will be that organization. But we need your financial support to succeed.

Your financial support will help ensure that ALL children enjoy the fundamental right to a safe, caring and inclusive school environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

The National Film Board of Canada presents the Vancouver premiere of Why Thee Wed? at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival, Monday November 7th @ 6PM, Cinemark Tinseltown Theatres.

Filmmaker Cal Garingan, who will be in attendance, looks beyond the headlines and introduces the couples who challenged the law in court. Why did they plunge into a controversial issue that meant their lives would be publicly judged? What does it mean to them to exchange marriage vows?

As controversy swirls around this this issue worldwide, Why Thee Wed? offers surprising and diverse perspectives on what it means for same-sex couples to walk down the aisle.

"The Right to Be Different", International Conference on gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans rights in Montreal, July 2006.

Egale is pleased to announce its participation in the largest ever international conference on gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans rights, involving 2000 participants from around the world. "The Right to Be Different" conference will be held in Montréal, July 26 to 29, 2006, just before the Opening of the 1st World Outgames.

The conference will include seven plenary sessions with keynote speakers, as well as 5 workshop sessions, during each of which participants will be able to choose from a list of up to 75 workshops (or a total of up to 375 workshops during the conference). Egale is submitting 4 workshop proposals: how the marriage campaign unfolded, how the Canadian LGBT community organizes, trans equality law, and implementing an intersectional approach regarding LGBT advocacy.

Organizers of the conference are looking for various workshop proposals. The deadline for submitting a proposal is fast approaching: October 31, 2005!

For more information visit egale.ca 

The time is not too late to register for Canada's largest conference on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) health issues.

The conference, sponsored by the Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition (CRHC), is taking place in Halifax, November 3 - 5, 2005. "Last year over 275 people attended our conference in Gatineau and we are expecting even more for this year's conference in Halifax," said Gens Hellquist, executive director of the CRHC.  The conference will address the health and wellness issues faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) Canadians.

Keynote speakers for the conference include:

• The Hon. George Smitherman, Minister of Health & Long Term Care for Ontario
• Alastair Pringle, Patient Focus Manager for the Scottish Executive Health Services. Pringle is the author of Towards A Healthier GLBT Scotland, a strategy adopted by the National Health Services of Scotland to address the health and access issues faced by GLBT people.
• Laurent McCutcheon from Gay Écoute and Fondation Èmergence who'll speak on Québec initiatives to educate community workers.
• Irène Demczuk who'll speak on Québec initiaties to educate medical doctors on providing better services to GLBT people.
• Dr. Blye Frank, Acting Director for the Division of Medical Education at Dalhousie University who'll speak on "Taking Difference into Account: Meeting the Needs of GLBTI Communities through the Education of Health Care Professionals."

The conference will also present 53 workshops on a variety of topics focused on addressing the health and wellness issues of GLBT people.  Workshop areas include:

• Working with GLBT youth
• Working with GLBT seniors
• LGBT content in nursing curriculum
• Achieving GLBT cultural competence in agencies/centres
• Addressing the needs of bisexual people
• Increasing GLBT awareness in medical school education
• Community development approaches to addressing HIV/AIDS issues
• Meeting the health and wellness needs of GLBT people with disabilities

"This conference provides a great opportunity for those working in the health care system and community organizations to learn more about these issues and obtain resources to help provide better services to GLBT Canadians," said Hellquist.

For additional information on the conference and to register go to www.rainbowhealth.ca.

Criminologist Doug Janoff says violence against homosexuals in Canada is more "frenzied" and intense than that perpetrated against other victims of violent crime.

"The violence is real, it is intense and it really needs to be taken seriously," Janoff says.

In his new book, Pink Blood: Homophobic Violence in Canada (University of Toronto Press), Janoff says the gay community has to work to ensure that the law is applied to those crimes in the courts and by police forces.

Janoff, a PSAC member, will read from his book on a 15-city National Book Tour (download the schedule here ) with 2 BC events:

• Victoria, Friday, October 7, noon, University of Victoria campus. For more information email bcory@uvic.ca
  
• Vancouver, Tuesday, October 11, 7:30 – 9:00 PM at Gordon Neighbourhood House, 1019 Broughton at Nelson. For more information, call The Centre at (604) 684-5307. This event is sponsored by Xtra West, Little Sister’s and PSAC

The evening will feature a chance to meet the author & get a signed copy as well as an opportunity to discuss this important issue & find out how you can take a stand against homophobic violence.

For more information visit pinkblood.ca 

September 21st

Canadian Labour Congress Solidarity and Pride Conference - November

The third Canadian Labour Congress Solidarity and Pride Conference will take place this November in Québec City. The theme of the Conference is “Beyond Legal Equality to Social Equality”.

The last Solidarity and Pride Conference was four years ago in 2001. Since that time, there have been gains for lesbian and gay workers at the bargaining table and in the courts, an increased recognition of the issues in our unions and ongoing, growing support from union leaders and members at all levels.

Many challenges remain.

Discrimination faced by transgender workers is an issue many of our unions are facing in the workplace. Only the Yukon includes gender identity in the human rights code. We need education and action in this area. The links between the discrimination faced by lgbt workers and workers in other equality-seeking groups is an important discussion.  The situation facing lgbt youth,  harassment in the schools and at the workplace, and lgbt participation in struggles to save health care and social services are big issues.

Read more of the conference call out, and register online at canadianlabour.ca 

Workers Out! Making The Difference 2006

The first World Outgames 2006 will be held in Montreal, Québec, Canada from July 29-August 5, 2006. An integral part of the Outgames is an International Conference on the theme «The Right to be Different».

The organizers of the Outgames plan to make the event "an important contribution to the advancement of the rights and freedoms of gay communities" worldwide and they are including an International Conference as a central part of the cultural, sporting and political events being planned.

Workers Out! Making The Difference will be held in conjunction with the International Conference and we are planning our time so that trade unionists can participate in both the International Conference and Workers Out Conference.

Read more in the below.

workers_out.pdf

At the International Lesbian and Gay Law Association conference at U of T the morning after Pride Day, Canadian self-satisfaction hangs as heavy in the air as the summer smog.

Lawyers, law profs and activists gathered here to share ideas about how to make the rest of the world more like Canada find themselves in what's become the globe's gayest country, one where the man in charge of the military is a somewhat queenie chap who greets men with a kiss on the lips as he arrives. National Defence Minister Bill Graham has the distinction of throwing a great Pride party, something that could not be said of his U.S. counterpart, Donald Rumsfeld.

But both the strengths and weaknesses of the global gay movement are on display here. On the one hand, advances on relationship recognition are being made throughout western Europe and North America (although most countries still prefer the term "civil union" to marriage). However, for those less privileged parts of the world, the gay movement lacks the vocabulary even to engage in a public debate, let alone the influence to bring about change.

Read more at nowtoronto.com

On Wednesday, July 6, the equal marriage bill (C-38) passed second reading in the Senate by a vote of 43 to 12. You can see how the senators voted on the CEM website.

The bill will go to committee hearings next week and back to the Senate on July 18. The final vote is expected that week and, in the likely event that it passes, the Governor General will then sign the bill into law, to take effect immediately.

The Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee is set to begin hearings on Monday. The first witness will be Justice Minister Irwin Cotler, followed by Canadians for Equal Marriage and Egale. Hearings are expected to continue through much of next week.

Multi Union Pride will have a float in this year's Pride Parade in Vancouver, July 31st. There will also be fabulous giveaways! The theme to this year's Pride celebration is "No Turning Back".

The Committee will have members with signs at the Denman St. entrance of the West End Community Centre from about 11:30 directing interested labour folks to the MUP float site. Even if you don't plan to march - it's always a fun place to visit prior to the parade.

Click for a listing of other Pride events in the Lower Mainland.

On behalf of Steve Houston, Regional Council Coordinator for GLBT members, please find the minutes of the most recent Multi-Union Pride (MUP) committee meeting below.

MUP-July_5.pdf

Thanks to Steve Houston, GLBT Representative on the BC Regional Council, for links to lists of pride events taking place this summer.

Surrey Pride takes place July 8-10. Visit gaysurrey.com for a list of events in Surrey.

Pride week in Vancouver kicks off July 23rd. The theme of this years parade, July 31st, is PRIDE 2005 – No Turning Back. Visit vanpride.bc.ca for a calendar of events taking place all summer long.

Visit xtra.ca for a calendar of Pride events taking place in other provinces and in the US.

This is a proud - and exciting - day to be a Canadian.

Just days before the Canada Day holiday, the House of Commons has voted for a fifth and final time to affirm equal marriage rights for same-sex couples in Canada, confirming once again our world-wide reputation as a country that is open, inclusive and welcoming.

Read more at equal-marriage.ca

Contact the Prime Minister right NOW -- pm@pm.gc.ca
 
We're in the home stretch on the equal marriage bill. Only Prime Minister Paul Martin has the power to decide whether or not the equal-marriage bill will be passed before Parliament breaks for summer. It is urgent that you help send a clear message that Canadians are looking to the Prime Minister for leadership, that he must stand up to opponents like Pat O’Brien.
 
Please email the prime minister right now at pm@pm.gc.ca. Tell him:
 
I am counting on you to continue to show leadership on human rights.
 
I am counting on you to take the steps necessary to have  Bill C-38 passed into law before MPs leave for their summer holidays. The debate on this bill has been going for well over two years now. There have been eight court decisions, a Supreme Court reference, three votes in Parliament, over 500 witnesses at House of Commons Committees and a very thorough public debate. 76% of Canadians say it's time to let Parliament decide this issue.

Mr. Prime Minister, this is simply a matter of commitment and leadership. You must stand up to those who want to prevent Parliament from deciding. Parliament is too volatile to risk delaying passage of the bill. You must take bold action to reflect the will of Canadians -- and ensure this issue is dealt with now.

Community Outreach Officer - 10-week summer position

Application Deadline: Tuesday, June 14 2005 (5:00 p.m. EST)

In support of its mandate and its advocacy work in the area of justice and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual trans-identified people, and their families, across Canada, Egale Canada is searching for a skilled and dedicated individual to promote and distribute its LGBT guide "Outlaws and Inlaws - your guide to LGBT rights, same-sex relationships and Canadian Law" to diverse LGBT and minority communities across Canada.

Egale's activities include court challenges, political lobbying and public education on a wide range of issues, such as human rights protection, hate crimes, relationship recognition (including the freedom to marry), access to sex-reassignment surgery, youth and education issues, immigration, health and reproductive rights, and intersectional analysis. Candidates with experience in our communities, or other similar equality-seeking organizations, are welcome to apply. We are also committed to expanding the diversity of our organization within board and staff structures.

Job Overview:

Reporting to the Communications Coordinator of Egale Canada, the Community Outreach Officer will be responsible for establishing contacts and community outreach by establishing a strategic plan that will promote, market and distribute in diverse LGBT and minority communities the LGBT guide "Outlaws and Inlaws".

Specific tasks will include:

• Revise and update contact lists
• Write and manage distribution contracts
• Contact LGBT groups in minority communities
• Establish a strategic plan to outreach francophone and anglophone linguistic minorities
• Establish a list of various distribution centres for the book (community centres, resources centres, libraries,...)
• Develop strategies for promoting the book using the Internet
• Identify publicity and marketing possibilities and resources
• Develop and implement strategies for a marketing campaign
• Develop and implement strategies for a publicity/advertising campaign
• Develop and implement strategies for a media campaign
• Research, define and identify possible distribution niches for readers and buyers
• Organize book launches in five different communities across Canada
• Develop the content for a promotional kit

Skills/Qualifications and Relevant Experience:

• High level of motivation and initiative
• Outgoing personality
• Ability to communicate effectively, (excellent verbal and written communication skills in both official languages are a must)
• Experience in outreaching to cultural and linguistic communities across Canada will be considered as an asset
• Experience in Diversity work will be considered as an asset
• Proven ability to evaluate time required to fulfill tasks
• Good organizational skills with an ability to manage a variety of tasks
• Previous experience working in publicity/research marketing and public relations
• Previous sales or retail experience will be considered as an asset
• Computer proficiency in Windows-based software (word processing, spreadsheet, Internet/e-mail)
• Excellent interpersonal skills and friendly, engaging and accessible demeanour
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment
• Work or volunteer experience within LGBT or other equality-seeking organizations will be considered as an asset

Diversity Commitment:

Egale Canada recognizes that a diverse work force and volunteer complement is critical to accomplishing its mission. It also recognizes that many individuals have been denied full participation in society due to barriers such as race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, language, class, sexual orientation, and gender identity. We are committed to reducing these barriers within our organization and we especially welcome applications from those who will expand the diversity of our organization.

Salary and Position Details:

The starting date of the 37.5 hours a week, 10-week contract position is June 20th. Salary will be based on a $10.00 hourly rate. The chosen candidate MUST be returning to school in September 2005.

To Apply:

Resumés and cover letters should be sent as a Microsoft Word attachment (with the subject line "summer position") to the following address: application@egale.ca . The Deadline is Tuesday June 14th (5:00 p.m. EST).

We thank all individuals who apply. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Equal marriage legislation is potentially within weeks of being past, so opponents have ratcheted up their campaign and are flooding MP's offices. Please go to www.equalmarriage.ca right away and send a message to all MPs.

Opponents of the bill are actually claiming that the legislation is being fast-tracked. Two years after the first legal same-sex marriages and Parliament still hasn't dealt with the issue. And it's been a busy two years -- cross-Canada hearings of the Justice Committee, eight court decisions, one Supreme Court reference, one election campaign, three House of Commons votes, six months of debate on the Hill. It may be a lot of things, but fast isn't one of them.

Equality opponents have been clear on their strategy. They want to run out the clock on this Parliament. They know a solid majority of current MPs support the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They want to bring down the government before it has an opportunity to pass equal marriage legislation.

The government has clearly stated it will pass the equal marriage bill before summer, even if that means extending Parliament past its scheduled June 23 end date. But anti-equality Liberals are putting huge pressure on Paul Martin. We have to make sure he doesn’t back down!!

MPs are being flooded with messages from a vociferous minority that wants a decision delayed. In a recent Environics public opinion poll, 76% of Canadians said they want Parliament to decide this issue and move on to other priorities.

Please take a moment and go to www.equalmarriage.ca  now

May 19th : via email

Thanks to Suzanne Cadieux, a PSAC member in Ottawa, for this report:

Yesterday, supporters of marriage equality became the first non-government witnesses before a 13-member committee of MPs studying the government's equal marriage legislation.

Alex Munter, National Coordinator of Canadians for Equal Marriage, and Laurie Arron, Director of Advocacy of Egale, argued that the bill is a win-win for Canadians, ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from civil marriage while simultaneously ensuring religious freedom.

For the full text of Monday's CEM/Egale presentation, visit equal-marriage.ca . Unfortunately, following the Egale/CEM presentation, Conservative MP and Justice Critic Vic Toews launched a filibuster that will see the Committee spend all of the next two hearings to debate his procedural motion.As a result, the hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon are unlikely to hear from witnesses.

There remains significant question as to whether the bill will be passed. While a solid majority of MPs support equality and the Charter of Rights, all unadopted legislation dies when an election is called. Opponents of equality have made clear their intention to try to defeat MPs in the coming vote - please help our grassroots campaign to match the efforts of our well-funded adversaries and go to www.equal-marriage.ca/donate.php  right now. We will need your help - especially if Canadians head to the polls in a few short days.

(OTTAWA, ON) Ending discrimination against gays and lesbians cleared another major hurdle today when Parliament voted in favour of the second reading of Bill C-38. Equal marriage supporters praised Parliament for approving in principle the Bill to bring federal law into compliance with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The vote marks the first time in history that Parliament has affirmatively voted in favour of equal marriage and officially means that Parliament approves the Bill in principle.

Read the news release at equal-marriage.ca

Next come hearings by a legislative committee, a third-reading vote in Parliament and then first, second and third readings in the Senate.

Equality opponents have had a deliberate strategy of using their deep pockets to try to drag out the bill as long as possible. They hope the minority Liberal government will fall in the Commons before the legislation is passed.

Canada is at an historic moment. With your help, Canada could soon become a leader in human rights, internationally by legalising same sex marriage across the country. Visit equal-marriage.ca to take action  to ensure the equal marriage bill passes.

posted May 4th : via email

Sisters & Brothers,

As you may know, in 2003, the Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition partnered with Fondation Emergence and made every first Wednesday in June the  "National Day Against Homophobia".  This year, it falls on June 1st and the theme is "The Family".

Please visit www.rainbowhealth.ca   where you may, if you so choose, order free posters and pamphlets for your Local's equity committees, conferences, conventions and other events and activities you may deem appropriate for their dissemination.

Although the site indicates a deadline of April 29th, we have been informed that posters and pamphlets are still available. 

Thank you to Steve Houston, BC Regional GLBT Coordinator for sharing this email from Bill Siksay, MP for Burnaby-Douglas.

The NDP has a long-standing commitment to full equality for gay and lesbian people, and this includes the right to civil marriage.  We strongly support this legislation.

At the present time 87% of Canadians have access to equal marriage rights due to court decisions in 7 provinces and one territory: Ontario, Québec, BC, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon. Gay and Lesbian couples have been able to marry legally in these jurisdictions for months now.  No church, mosque, synagogue or temple has been forced to perform any marriage ceremony against its wishes.  As well, no religious official has been required to perform a marriage that is against their religious beliefs.

The NDP strongly supports freedom of religion.  Bill C-38 also makes it very clear that no religious organization or religious official would be forced to solemnize a marriage that is against the theology, belief or practice of their faith community.  And no religious organization that chooses to marry gay and lesbian couples would be prevented from doing so.

We believe that access to civil marriage for gay and lesbian couples will add to the stability of Canadian families and Canadian society.  This is a world that needs more people who are willing to make loving, lifelong commitments to each other and who are willing to take full responsibility for their relationships. 

We believe that the responsibility to act on this issue lies with Parliament and that putting questions of fundamental human rights to a referendum is not appropriate. 

The NDP looks forward to the debate in Parliament on this legislation.  We will participate fully in that debate and will work to ensure that it is thorough and respectful. 

I appreciate that you took the time to contact me.  If you would like to receive further information on this issue, please reply by e-mail and we will ensure that you get on our lists.

Sincerely yours,

Bill Siksay, MP Burnaby-Douglas

The House of Commons has just voted 164 to 132 defeating Stephen Harper's proposal to exclude lesbian and gay people from protection of Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The close vote took place after months of strong, well-financed pressure on MPs to oppose equality for same-sex couples from the religious right.

But that doesn't mean it's over! As reported in the Hill Times, The Conservative Party is beginning a filibuster to avoid the second reading vote that ordinarily would have happened right after tonight’s defeat of the Harper amendment. Second-reading means the bill is approved in principle and sent off to a legislative committee for detailed review.

Read more and find out how to take action at www.equal-marriage.ca

The first vote on the government's Equal Marriage Bill (Bill C-38) has been set for Tuesday, April 12. It's a vote on Stephen Harper's motion to kill the bill. WE MUST WIN THIS VOTE OR THE MARRIAGE BILL WILL DIE!

We have a small lead in the vote count, but there are dangers. Will all supportive MPs show up to vote? Will the four supportive Conservative MPs dare to vote against their leader's motion?

Canadians for Equal Marriage urges you to contact your MP today! Go to  http://www.equal-marriage.ca  Go to Step 1 and E-mail all MPs. At Step 1 you can also find your MP and get their phone and fax numbers. Simply tell them you support equal marriage, you support Bill C-38.

Opponents of equality for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people are pulling out all the stops before the final vote. Today, Saturday, April 9, tens of thousands of opponents held their "March for Marriage and Freedom" on Parliament Hill. Stephen Harper himself addressed the crowd! He told people "if just a few more Liberals can be persuaded to change their vote, we can kill Bill C-38 in its tracks."

We're bracing for a storm of opposition messages flooding MPs' offices between now and Tuesday. It's important that MPs hear from our side too!!

We have the opportunity to settle this issue once and for all. But we can only win this fight with your help. Please contact your MP today. You can e-mail all MPs at http://www.equal-marriage.ca/contactcampaign.php  . It only takes a few seconds.

IF PARLIAMENT KILLS THE EQUAL MARRIAGE LEGISLATION, OUR OPPONENTS WILL CONTINUE WITH FURTHER ATTEMPTS -- EVEN U.S.-STYLE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS -- TO ROLL BACK THE CLOCK.

Today, on Parliament Hill, Stephen Harper once again pledged to bring in legislation to define marriage as a man and a woman.

We all know an election may be called soon. But before any election call will be Tuesday's vote. It may be the last time Parliament votes on equal marriage. Let's make it a positive one!! Let's ensure MPs know that many of their constituents support equal marriage.

Please help today. Don't delay. Please also pass this message on to your friends and your networks.

This is a crucial time. Please take action now.

Laurie Arron, Political Coordinator, Canadians for Equal Marriage

First crucial vote could happen within weeks

Debate will resume in the House of Commons next week on Bill C-38 - the equal marriage legislation - but this week the discussion shifts to Montreal where Conservatives from across Canada are meeting for their new party's first policy convention.!

With over 110 MPs left to debate the bill in the Commons, the bill could reach second-reading vote as early as the first week of April. This is a crucial step: if a bill is defeated at second reading, it dies. If it passes second reading, it will be studied by a legislative committee and then returned to the House of Commons for the final vote (third reading). It must then go through the same steps again in the Senate. 

Canadians for Equal Marriage Needs Your Help!

Canada is at an historic moment. With your help, Canada could soon become a leader in human rights, internationally by legalising same sex marriage across the country.  Click here for how to help . 

Equal-marriage opponents are planning a massive Parliament Hill rally on April 9 to try to intimidate Parliamentarians as the bill moves closer to a vote.

But opponents are focusing their immediate efforts this weekend on the Conservative Party convention in Montreal. A number of organizations stacked delegate selection meetings in order to send a large contingent of voices to the convention focused on an anti-abortion, anti-equal marriage agenda.

A resolution endorsing Stephen Harper's position in favour of second-class citizenship for gays and lesbians will be debated on Saturday by the whole convention.

But delegates will be hearing from a newly-formed group called Conservatives For Equal Marriage.

The new group launched a website www.conservativesforequalmarriage.ca  with two purposes: to articulate the Conservative Case for Equal Marriage and to provide a voice and a vehicle to those people within the Conservative Party who support this view.

"It's actually a very Conservative thing to embrace equal rights. As you may recall, it was under a Conservative government that women were first given the right to vote. It was also a Conservative government that established the Bill of Rights," said Gary Mitchell, a Conservative candidate in Vancouver in the last election.

Canadian For Equal Marriage National Co-ordinator Alex Munter will also be at the Conservative gathering. Munter and Laurie Arron, CEM's political co-ordinator, participated in the Liberal convention earlier this month, making sure Liberals were reminded that the vast majority of Canadians support the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Over 90% of Liberal delegates voted in support of a resolution affirming equal marriage rights.

If you have not yet had a chance to contribute to Canadians For Equal Marriage, to help our grassroots campaign to match the efforts of our well-funded adversaries, please go to www.equal-marriage.ca/donate.php 

March 9th

Canadians from all walks of life support justice and fairness.

Excluding same-sex couples from civil marriage denies them full citizenship. It suggests they are not equally deserving of protection, respect and consideration.

Excluding same-sex couples from civil marriage violates Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Charter symbolizes Canadian values like equality, fairness and mutual respect. It protects all Canadians. It protects both religious freedom and freedom from discrimination.

Look who supports the inclusion of same-sex couples in civil marriage (.pdf below).

Hill_Times_ad_Mar_3_05_final.pdf

February 16th

Open Letter

The Rt Hon Paul Martin,
Prime Minister of Canada

Hon Mr Stephen Harper, PC MP
Leader, Official Opposition

M Gilles Duceppe, Depute
Chef du Bloc Quebecois

Mr Jack Layton, MP
Leader, New Democratic Party of Canada

Gentlemen:

We are writing to you as gay and lesbian Members of the House of Commons as we begin debate on Bill C-38, The Civil Marriage Act.  We know that you will appreciate that this bill is very important to us and to our lesbian and gay sisters and brothers.

Much has been said and written about this issue.  We would ask you to remember that this matter has not been championed by the courts or by particular political parties or even by specific lobby groups-although they have all had important roles to play.  This issue is before us today because gay and lesbian couples in most provinces and one territory have sought to be included in the institution of marriage.  These are couples who strongly support marriage and who actively seek to live out its ideals, responsibilities, and duties. They, perhaps more than other couples, fully appreciate the support and protection marriage offers to couples in relationship, because they have forged relationships usually in the absence of those supports and protections.  These brave couples have put their relationships in the public spotlight, often at considerable personal risk and significant monetary expense, because they seek inclusion in an institution whose values they share.  Their efforts have not been about seeking a change in marriage-they only seek inclusion in this institution.

For us, this discussion is about love and commitment.  We, like you, have been raised in families, faith groups and communities that teach the joy and responsibilities of loving partnership.  We, like you, have been inspired by the example of married couples who touch our lives, couples who are nurtured by an enduring marriage relationship.  We, like you, have been raised in a culture that values love highly and that encourages making public commitments of our love.  We, like you, are excited and challenged by the mysteries of the incredible, complex experience of love.  And we, like you, need the support of family, friends, the community, and the state to live out faithful, loving commitments.

Relationships are not easy, even in the most supportive settings. Relationships left only to the best efforts and intentions of two people on their own have even more challenges.

But this issue is also about our full citizenship. Does our being gay or lesbian mean that certain features of life in our society are outside our experience or our reach? We believe that it should not.  If central institutions by definition exclude us, how can we be considered full citizens?  We believe that civil marriage is one of those secular institutions to which all citizens must have equal access.

Like many of you, marriage is a dream and fervent hope of many gay and lesbian people in our society.  For many of us, our hopes for happiness and security, like yours, connect intimately to our understanding of marriage. Our desire for stability and companionship, for creative partnership, for a positive environment in which to raise our children, like yours, cannot be separated from our society's understanding of marriage.

And like you, not all of us will choose marriage.  And like you, not all of our marriages will be successful.  But in the same way you were able to choose to be married or not, in the same way that your marriage succeeded or not, we believe that all gays and lesbians should have the choice to seek to be married.

We support the protection of religious freedom.  We agree that no mosque, temple, synagogue or church, and no clergyperson, should be required to marry a couple if that act conflicts with their beliefs, practice, or theology.  Those decisions will be left to those religious organizations. In the same way, religious organizations and leaders that believe gay and lesbian couples are eligible for religious marriage should be able to perform those marriages on the same basis that they solemnize the vows of heterosexual couples. But in the end, this legislation is not about religious marriage-it is about civil marriage. It is about the federal government's jurisdiction over the definition of civil marriage.

We would ask that you do all that is possible to ensure the passage of this important legislation.

Bill Siksay, MP Burnaby Douglas
Libby Davies,MP Vancouver East
Réal Ménard, MP Hochelaga

I attended the demonstration on January 23 with sisters Joanne Ursino and Kay Sinclair as well as brothers Luc Guevremont and Fred Michano (Parks - Ontario Region). I am proud to make note of the presence of our members at this very important demonstration of solidarity. My apologies to anyone that I may have missed at the demonstration.

-Steve Houston, LGBT Representative/BC PSAC Regional Council

The following is an excerpt from a subsequent CTV report forwarded by sister Joyce Hendy (Ontario Region).

Lawyers argued in B.C. Supreme Court Thursday over how long the leader of a group of men that beat Aaron Webster to death should spend in jail.

Ryan Cran, 22, was found guilty of manslaughter last month in the beating death of Webster -- what's been called one of Vancouver's most brutal killings.

A decision in Cran's sentencing hearing was held over on Thursday for two weeks.

Webster died in November, 2001, after he was attacked by a group of youths in an area of the Vancouver park frequented by gay men seeking anonymous sexual encounters.

The 41-year-old photographer was beaten with baseball bats, a pool cue and a golf club, then left for dead. He was later discovered naked, except for his hiking boots. Three others were also charged in connection with Webster's death.

For Webster's family and supporters, no sentence will be stiff enough. "We are saying that this gang of thugs went out of their way to go to a certain place, at a certain time, to do a certain thing. And that certain thing was murder," gay rights advocate Brad Teeter told CTV Vancouver. Joan Prokopetz, Webster's mother, wants Cran locked up for good. "Ninety [years] wouldn't have been enough. And it won't bring him back," she said.

Webster's family read aloud a series of impact statements during Thursday's hearing. The most scathing words came from Webster's oldest sister, Paula. "Mr. Cran is now forever a hideous part of our family history," she said, and looking directly at Cran, said to him: "I hate that gays and lesbians have to be afraid of people like you." Crown counsel argued there was no evidence the incident was a hate crime and asked for a six to nine-year sentence. Crown layer Greg Weber maintained that Webster was targetted by a group of men because he was naked in the park. That didn't go over well with Webster's friends and supporters, who stood up in the court room in defiance. The crown was later heckled in the hallway, reported CTV Vancouver's Lisa Rossington.

"It's important to bear in mind after examining all the evidence in this case, the court itself concluded that the motive in this case remains obscure," said crown counsel Stan Lowe. In a tearful statement to the court, Cran said: "It seems like a horrible dream," and that "it's hard to put into words how sorry I really am." "You look at him, he looks like a fine young man," said Prokopetz of Cran. "You think, how could you do this?" Two youths, neither of whom can be identified because they were young offenders at the time of the crime, were also convicted of manslaughter. Both received the maximum sentence possible under the Young Offenders Act -- three years -- two-thirds of which must be served in closed custody.

But the fourth alleged attacker, Danny Rao, was set free after the judge decided a pair of witnesses had given false testimony against him. Webster's death, which a judge called "savage" and considered to be "gay-bashing," prompted former B.C. MP Svend Robinson to spearhead a campaign to include gays and lesbians in existing hate-crimelegislation.

Robinson's private member's bill, which added hatred based on sexual orientation to already-existing bans on hatred against "identifiable" groups such as race, religion or ethnic origin, passed a parliamentary vote in September, 2003. Those convicted of hate crimes can face sentences of up to five yearsin jail.

During their trials, the accused all testified that Webster's sexuality had nothing to do with their deadly assault. Joining Webster's family, friends and other supporters at a 500-strong rally in front of a Vancouver court last Sunday, Robinson joined in a chorus of demands that the beating death be considered a hate-crime.

"I find it sad, I find it incomprehensible, and yes, I find it shameful, that the Crown, throughout these proceedings, the entire proceedings,with four accused, has not once challenged the accused about the reality of this crime being a gay-bashing and a hate crime." With reports from CTV Vancouver's Lisa Rossington and St. JohnAlexander

February 2nd : via email

The Hon. Stephen Harper, Leader of the Opposition

Dear Mr. Harper,

The federal government has made it clear that it intends to introduce legislation in the House of Commons to extend to same-sex couples the right to marry. You have indicated that you oppose this legislation, and intend to propose amendments to limit the definition of marriage to only opposite sex couples. You also stated that it would not be legally necessary to use the Charter's notwithstanding clause to protect a statutory definition of marriage that excludes same sex couples. As law professors, we strenuously disagree. You must be completely honest with Canadians about the unconstitutionality of your proposal, which will only guarantee that same sex marriage ends up back before the courts as opposed to being resolved by Parliament. Your position is surprising for someone who has constantly defended the preeminence of Parliament.

Read the rest of the letter here (link to utoronto.ca opens in new window).

The Government of Canada has tabled the Civil Marriage Act to extend legal capacity to marry for civil purposes to same-sex couples while respecting religious freedom.

The bill is based on the proposed legislation referred to the Supreme Court of Canada in the marriage Reference and includes related consequential amendments to eight other federal statutes to provide equal treatment for same-sex couples to marry civilly and to divorce in Canada.

Read more here: in English | en francais

FAQ page from the Department of Justice: in English | en francais

January 26th : via email

Parliament resumes January 31 - it takes just one minute for you to contact your MP.

Opponents of equality for lesbian and gay people are making a desperate last-ditch attempt to stop equality. When Parliament resumes on January 31, they know they face their last chance to roll back the clock on equal marriage. They know the vote in Parliament is closer than many people think.

Read more here (link to equalmarriage.ca opens in window).

January 26th : via email

Dear Friend:
 
You know me to be a person who has fought long and hard to build bridges and coalitions between communities. Stephen Harper and the Conservatives have recently introduced an advertising campaign against same-sex marriage which is targeted at the multi-racial and religious community.  I don't know about you, but I found it to be divisive; panders to prejudice; seeks to pit one minority community against another and reinforces unfounded and in fact racist stereotypes that visible minorities are intolerant.  
 
I am urging you to read the following statement and if you agree with it, please let me know.  I will add your name to a long list of people who are also concerned about Stephen Harper's ad campaign and who are prepared to let Mr. Harper and other Canadians know that they are offended at the ad campaign.  We hope to release this statement on Sunday.  Therefore, if you could kindly respond to me by 9 a.m. (PST) Sunday, January 23, 2005, I would greatly appreciate it.
 
In solidarity,
 
Mary-Woo Sims

STEPHEN HARPER - END YOUR DIVISIVE & PREJUDICIAL AD CAMPAIGN

We the undersigned are members of Canada's multi-racial and religious communities.  We are also Canadians who have worked hard to end racism and all forms of discrimination.  We are disappointed and strongly offended by the announced campaign of Stephen Harper's Conservatives to target racial minority communities in its efforts to deny gays and lesbians the equal rights that they are entitled to under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

We have enjoyed the protections available under the Charter for 20 years now, as well as those provided under various human rights legislation found across the country.  We support gays and lesbians who are seeking to have the same choices as other Canadians - that is the choice to marry or not.  Courts across Canada have affirmed that right.  To deny our fellow Canadians the same choices that other Canadians have is simply wrong and discriminatory.  We will not be a party to continued discrimination against gay and lesbian Canadians.

The ad campaign introduced by Stephen Harper and the Conservatives is in our view, divisive; panders to prejudice; seeks to pit one minority community against another and reinforces unfounded and in fact racist stereotypes that visible minorities are intolerant.  In essence, the proponent of such a racially motivated campaign is unbefitting for Mr. Harper, who wants to become Canada's next Prime Minister.

We call on Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party to reject discrimination against ALL Canadians and to stop this harmful and hateful campaign targeted at our communities.

HELPING YOU TO LEAD!

Mary-Woo Sims Principal Ardent Consulting Canada 1007 Ogden Street Coquitlam, BC V3C 3P2

marywoosims@shaw.ca tel: 604-328-2058 fax: 604-464-5011 mobile: 604-328-1058

January 20th : via email

CANADIANS FOR EQUAL MARRIAGE ACTION ALERT January 2005

Opponents of equality for lesbian and gay people are making a desperate last-ditch attempt to stop equality. When Parliament resumes in a few weeks, they know they face their last chance to roll back the clock on equal marriage. They know the vote in Parliament is closer than many people think.

We need your help. We have to match the determined, well-funded efforts of those who want to deny lesbian and gay relationships equal treatment under the law. Our opponents are getting desperate -- they know they must stop the impending legislation if they can move on to their next goal -- a comprehensive same-sex marriage ban in Canada. Go to http://www.equal-marriage.ca/donate.php to help us match their efforts.

We have the opportunity to settle this issue once and for all. But we can only win this fight with your help. Please go to
http://www.equal-marriage.ca/donate.php to help.

As you'll see from the email below, opponents of equality are mobilizing for an unprecedented referendum on whether lesbian and gay people should be excluded from the protection of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Other groups are signing people up to join political parties so they can take over riding associations. Much of the activity is being undertaken by the Canadian arms of large, well-financed American organizations.

This week's message from Toronto's Catholic Cardinal underscores the desire of equal-marriage opponents to string this issue out for years to come. He is calling for at least five more years of delay, during which time the Charter of Rights and Freedoms would be suspended for lesbian and gay people and our relationships. We need the resources to send a clear message to MPs: our basic rights have been delayed for decades. It's finally time for action.

IF THE EQUAL MARRIAGE LEGISLATION LOSES IN PARLIAMENT, OUR OPPONENTS WILL CONTINUE WITH FURTHER ATTEMPTS -- EVEN U.S.-STYLE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS -- TO ROLL BACK THE CLOCK.

Please go to http://www.equal-marriage.ca/donate.php right now. In too many communities across the country, Members of Parliament are hearing only one side of the story. It takes money to put up websites, produce materials, organize meetings and hire organizers to be your voice in Ottawa and mobilize supportive voices in key ridings.

Please also pass this message on to friends, family and other equal marriage supporters.

We are only metres away from the marriage equality finish line. We can't stop now. Please help us reach the end of this race.

Alex Munter
National Co-ordinator
Canadians for Equal Marriage

-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The following E-mail was sent out by Defend Marriage Canada:
URGENT! -- January 5, 2005

WITHOUT YOUR INPUT, THE DEMISE OF THE CANADIAN FAMILY MAY BE IRRETRIEVABLY DECIDED IN A FEW SHORT WEEKS.

PLEASE IMMEDIATELY FORWARD THIS E-MAIL TO THOSE WHOSE JUDGEMENT YOU TRUST.

Dear Friend:

With a view to equality, the Liberal government plans to introduce legislation next month to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide. They see this as a basic human-rights issue, and nothing Canada can't handle.

But what if they're wrong?

Pro-family groups and cultural experts across the nation and around the world warn that redefining marriage will have profound, far-reaching, and even drastic effects on the family. They say this is a decision that mustn't be rushed through Parliament or foisted upon the people without their consent; that Canada's children will pay a devastating price for it;
that future generations of Canadians deserve better.

What if they're right?

Consider this commentary, co-written by two McGill University experts on civilization (one of whom is gay).

"Most people like to consider their society a tolerant one, and this is certainly laudable. But no society could endure if tolerance were taken to its ultimate conclusion: the belief that 'anything goes.' In addition to tolerance - otherwise known as 'love,' 'caring' or 'compassion' - every society must be guided by wisdom. And that requires citizens to be as reasonable as they are tolerant. Canadians should think twice, therefore, before redefining marriage." Katherine Young and Paul Nathanson, "The
Future of An Experiment" in Divorcing Marriage: Unveiling the Dangers in Canada's New Social Experiment (Montreal & Kingston: McGill-Queen's University Press, 2004).

These are sobering words. More excerpts from Young and Nathanson's discussion on how same-sex-marriage could hurt children, men, women, singles, society, religious communities, education, and even democracy are available here.

If Young, Nathanson, and the multitudes that share their concerns are correct, same-sex marriage must not go ahead without the consent of the people, after exhaustive public debate. There is much, much more at stake than just minority rights!

Why, although the Supreme Court of Canada refused to rule against traditional marriage, is the government rushing ahead with same-sex marriage?

Why, when Prime Minister Paul Martin promised a free vote on the issue, is he ordering all 39 Cabinet Ministers and 28 Parliamentary Secretaries to support the same-sex bill, even though some of those government MPs campaigned in defense of traditional marriage?

Why does the debate rage over the rights of adults, despite evidence from Scandinavia that same-sex marriage interferes with the needs of children?

Why, when the latest poll shows supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage almost evenly split, with fully 24% of Canadian voters undecided, are Canadians being denied a national referendum which would open the doors to full public debate?

These are pressing questions. They ought to be answered, along with a multitude of other questions about how redefining marriage could affect our society, our religious freedoms, and especially our children, for generations to come.

Whatever your personal leanings on same-sex marriage may be, we ask that you join us in calling upon Prime Minister Martin to put his legislation on hold, in the absence of a consensus. Pushing ahead with it now, in the present climate, could divide our country and undermine our democracy.

Please ask him instead to enable the discussion that must take place by calling a referendum on the issue.

If we delay or do nothing, same-sex marriage will soon be entrenched in law, with all its attendant consequences, for good or ill. If even a fraction of the dire results predicted by social scientists and family advocates then come to pass, that could be devastating. Surely the issue deserves sober second thought - for the sake of our kids.

Please click here to send an easy e-mail to the Prime Minister.

Please click here to learn more about the issue.

Please urge your Member of Parliament to represent the interests of future generations of Canadians on this issue. Click here for contact information.

And please forward this message to every Canadian on your list who cares about the future we pass on to our children.

Thank you for taking action on this critical issue!

Sincerely,

Rebecca Hudson,
Defend Marriage Canada Project,
United Families Canada

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

January 18th : via email

Dear friend(s) of Egale,

This year, Egale Canada's Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Board of Directors elections will take place at 5 pm, on Saturday, March 19, 2005, at the GLHS building, 203-220 3rd Ave S, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

The Egale Board of Directors has appointed myself as the Chair of the elections committee, with Lisa Lachance as the Board Liaison for the elections committee, and Susan Gapka as the Board Liaison for the nominations committee. This year, the election scrutineers are Geoff Robbins and Lyle Borden.

The Board of Directors for Egale Canada is comprised of 12 directors, two people of different genders from each of six regions in Canada. Electoral terms are two years long, and each year half of the positions on the Board are open for election.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Region (Prov/Terr)
Continuing Board Members (elected last year)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Atlantic (NB, NL, NS, PE)
Greg Daborn, male

National Capital Region (NCR)
Lisa Lachance, female

Quebec (excluding the NCR)
Claude Côté, male

Ontario (excluding the NCR)
Susan Gapka, female

Prairies (AB, MB, NT, NU, SK)
Stephen Lock, male

Pacific (BC, YK)
Tami Starlight, female
-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Nominations are open for one position in each region listed above.

Nominees must be of a different gender than the ones listed for each respective region.

What is involved in being a Board member?

Board members represent Egale's diverse membership. The board makes all key decisions on the direction and future of the organization. Being on the Board is a two-year commitment (unless a position becomes vacant mid-term). Candidates should be available for a minimum of eight to ten hours per month (one Board meeting and/or Committee meeting, some preparation or follow-up work, involvement in regional activities). The board meets in-person once a year for a policy and planning retreat, usually held a few weeks following the AGM. Board members must support the organization's general goals and policies, including our commitment to an intersectional approach.

How to run for the Board

Each candidate must be a member of Egale in good standing when the nominations close. You can nominate yourself. Each candidate is permitted to submit a biography (one page - 8.5" x 11", black & white printing) in either English or French. If the candidate wishes, they may use a second page for the other language. Egale Canada will not translate any biographies. You must send nominations by the deadline, February 17, 2005, along with a biography if you wish, either by mail, fax, (both listed above) or by email (election@egale.ca). The biographies will accompany the ballots.

What should you write about yourself

Your biography should include information such as: relevant personal or professional circumstances; experience and awareness of an intersectional analysis of oppression; experience at the local, regional, provincial, national, or international levels relevant to the objectives of Egale (fighting for justice in the courts, lobbying for change, public education, building a communications and action network, etc); previous involvement on other Boards; previous involvement in Egale; and specific interest or ideas regarding Egale goals or directions. Please remember that is should not be more than one page.

The key dates in this year's election and AGM are:

January 18, 2005 - Last date for new members to join to be eligible to vote.

February 17, 2005, (No later than 5 pm ET) - Nominations close and biographies are due to the Elections Committee.Last date for membership address and email changes, in order to send election ballots. Last date for new members to join to be eligible to be a candidate for election.

February 22, 2005 - Ballots with the associated biographies are sent by email or mail to eligible voters.

March 18, 2005, (No later than 5 pm ET) - Ballots must be received at the Egale office in Ottawa, either by mail, in person, or via www.egale.ca/election.

March 19, 2005 - The election results will be announced at the AGM in Saskatoon and posted on the web site shortly thereafter.

Each ballot will have a unique reference number, used only to prevent a member from voting more than once. In the case of a registered couple, each partner/spouse will receive a separate ballot.

Egale will be sending all future election and AGM correspondence via email to save money on postage costs. If you have not provided a valid email address to Egale, you will still receive correspondence by regular mail. To provide or update your email address, visit www.egale.ca/update.

If you have recently moved, please inform the Egale office with your correct address information by February 17, 2005 to make sure you receive the correct ballots on time. To join or renew your membership, visit www.egale.ca/join. To update your contact information, visit www.egale.ca/update.

If you wish to consult the Egale Canada bylaws, you can request a copy from the office or view them on-line at www.egale.ca/bylaws.

If you would like more information about the election or on the responsibilities of being on the board of directors, feel free to contact us:

Nominations Committee - nominations@egale.ca

Election Committee - election@egale.ca

Egale Office - Egale.Canada@egale.ca, 1-888-204-7777, 613-230-1043, fax : 613-230-9395

Yours truly,Marcel Forget, Chair, Elections committee

87% of Canada’s Population Now Has Equal Marriage

St. John’s, December 21, 2004. Today Chief Justice Derek Green of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador ordered that the definition of marriage in the province include same-sex couples. The case was brought by two same-sex couples: Jacqueline Pottle and Noelle Krista French, and Lisa Ellen Zigler and Theresa Marie Walsh.

“Marriage signifies societal recognition and affirmation of a relationship between two people who love each other and are committed to each other,” said Theresa Walsh, who has been with her partner Lisa Zigler for 7 years. “I love Lisa and want to be with her for the rest of my life.”

“I believe extending the right to legally marry to lesbians and gays is an issue of equality and human rights,” said Lisa Zigler. “This is not an issue that should be subject to a popularity contest. Imagine if we suggested that someone’s freedom of religion should be subject to a popularity contest. Canadians wouldn’t stand for that.”

“Now we can get married by Christmas,” said Jacqueline Pottle, whose partner of 4 years is Noelle French. “It means so much for us to be able to marry right here in Newfoundland, rather than having to travel to another province.”

“Now my parents will be able to come to our wedding,” said Noelle French. “I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. We’re getting married this Thursday, right here in St. John’s. We’re so honoured that Mayor Wells will be performing our ceremony.”

“As is now clear in Canadian law, the judge found that it is unconstitutional to exclude same-sex couples from civil marriage,” said the couples’ lawyer Sean Foreman. “This finding was supported by the ruling of the Supreme Court of Canada last week, who stated quite clearly that the Charter protects both equality rights and freedom of religion.”

“Civil marriage is a public institution and should be open to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation,” said Gemma Hickey of the Newfoundland chapter of Canadians for Equal Marriage, an umbrella group working for passage of the federal government’s equal marriage legislation. “Equal marriage furthers Canadian values like inclusion, mutual respect and freedom from political or social prejudice.”

“87% of Canada’s population now enjoys full marriage equality,” said Laurie Arron, Director of Advocacy of Egale Canada, the national group advancing equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons and their families. “Equal marriage diminishes no one. Canada is being strengthened by the inclusion of these loving, committed couples.”

“We hope that very soon all Canadians will have the equal right to marry,” said Cicely McWilliam of Canadians for Equal Marriage. “Parliament faces a choice. It can extend equal marriage to all Canadians or it can invoke the notwithstanding clause to take away Charter protection from lesbian and gay people. Invoking the notwithstanding clause would be unprecedented for Parliament, and would risk eroding Charter protection for all Canadians. Clearly, that would be out of step with Canadian values.”

A survey released July 1 by the Centre for Research and Information on Canada and Environics Research found that the number of Canadians agreeing that gays and lesbians should be allowed to marry has increased 9%. Currently, 57% agree, the highest level since CRIC first asked the question two years ago. The number disagreeing currently stands at 38%. (see New Canada survey here)

Come to Jan 23 demo - story by Gareth Kirkby, Managing Editor / Xtra! West Dec 23 2004

It didn't take long. Soon after the decision came down Dec 10 finding Danny Rao not guilty, and allowing Ryan Cran to go home for Christmas prior to sentencing, you, dear readers, were phoning Little Sister's asking if there was a protest you could come to.

For a weekend, the calls came as angry gays and lesbians waited for someone-anyone-to call the demonstration.

Nobody called it.

Puh-leeze. You know, that's the thing about a protest: anyone can call it. It doesn't have to be Jim Deva, who is in the midst of Christmas sales right now-and is already doing more than enough on behalf of this community. When Aaron Webster was killed in November 2001, somebody who had never before stepped up to bat in our community took it upon himself to organize a community march and rally. It took Murray Bilida only five hours to organize the biggest gay demonstration this city has ever see. He made up a quick poster and flyers, with the help of a few friends, distributed them throughout the gay community, including in the gay bars and on the hydro poles. Then he called the police to inform them of the march and accepted MLA Lorne Mayencourt's offer to organize a sound system and a stage.

Five hours. Not bad, eh? Any one of us can do this when we feel strongly about something. We don't have to rely on the usual core group of activists. Our community has grown up in the past few years, partly as we've confronted the reality of our lives in the wake of Webster's death. A whole new generation of activists has emerged to work on policing and other community activities. But there's lots of room for others to step up to bat for a one-time activity-like organizing a protest-or for longer-term work, like trying to make policing work for our community, fighting censorship, starting new sports teams, and so on.

Still, Jim Deva has called a protest, one he can organize after the Christmas rush. And you're invited.

And I'll wager you'll want to be at the Sun, Jan 23 event to blow off some steam.

Judging by the calls and letters we're getting at Xtra West, our community is mighty pissed off with a whole host of issues to do with the Webster trial. The focus of Deva's protest is tell Crown counsel Greg Weber and Justice Mary Humphries that our community expects a significant jail term and a hate crime designation at the Jan 27 sentencing of Ryan Cran. Certainly, those are two great reasons for a protest right there.

But there are other reasons to protest, reasons that have come to light over the past three years and in readers' letters.

You might want to show up and vent your anger if:

• You're unhappy that the youths already convicted in Webster's death might be let out early. Perhaps you want them to serve every day of their already short sentence;
• You're sick of our community being beaten up in the street;
• You're furious at the homophobia that queer youth endure in schools and the lack of concrete action by the provincial government;
• You're angry at how the police brass took our community for a ride after Webster's killing, promising a new era of cooperation, but in fact ignoring our demands for genuine community policing;
• You're furious at how seldom police cars patrol the Davie-Denman-Robson-Nelson corridor during gaybashing high season-summer weekends;
• You're livid that Crown counsel won't use the word 'gaybashing' in the Webster cases, to prepare for a hate crime designation at sentencing;
• You're frustrated that so far only one judge of three has managed to understand the sexual energy in the air that night, that the accused's hunt for "peeping toms" was really all about targeting any homos they could find.

Pick your reason. Let's vent. Let's show the Crown and judge that we want Ryan Cran put away long enough to meditate on how wrong it is to kill someone because they are gay. And we want real change in the future.

DEMONSTRATION.
Sun, Jan 23, 1 pm.
Courthouse Steps.
Corner of Nelson & Hornby Sts.

A federal proposal to extend marriage rights to gays and lesbians would be constitutional, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled today in a unanimous opinion.

Read more here (link to globeandmail.com opens in new window), and download the ruling (.pdf) below

SUPREME_COURT_OF_CANADA_ruling_same-sex_marriage_2004.pdf

On Thursday, December 9, at 9:45 a.m. eastern time, the Supreme Court of Canada will release its opinion in the Marriage Reference. The release comes much sooner than expected.

Justice Minister Irwin Cotler is on record as saying the federal government will introduce it's much-awaited equal marriage legislation without delay.

But given that the decision will come just before the holiday break, and Parliament doesn't resume until January 31, there will be lots of time for opponents of equality to make their voices heard before this happens.

Make sure theirs is not the only voice heard. Visit www.equal-marriage.ca to find out how.

This is be the Big One!  The final fight to determine whether the equal marriage legislation will be introduced, voted on, and passed.

We know it and our opponents know it. We have the Charter on our side, but they have tremendous resources and millions of dollars. CEM operates on a shoestring.

We must make our voices heard. We must put pressure on the government and all MPs:

• to introduce the equal marriage legislation quickly
• to vote for equal marriage
• not to allow any amendments that would take away access to civil marriage itself

We fought Rob Moore's anti equal marriage private members bill C-268 and won! Thanks to equal marriage supporters our MPs received almost 1,000,000 emails. Sen