Same Sex Marriages
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On June 10, 2003, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that not allowing same-sex marriages was unconstitutional. A week later (June 17, 2003) the Canadian government decided not to appeal the decision made previously in regards to ruling in favor of a same-sex marriage.
Many Canadians are spit on the above topic. The main question being: should same-sex marriages be recognized as a law across the country?
There are many aspects present in regards to this "hot topic" such as the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Religion, Points of view from individuals currently in a same-sex relationship and of course the views of the courts and federal government. Each of the mentioned aspects should be taken into a great deal of consideration.
The main argument presented is as follows: Not allowing same-sex marriages violates Section 15 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This section of the Charter is based on Equality Rights and states:
15. 1) Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.
Affirmative action programs (2) Subsection (1) does not prelude any law, program or activity that has as it object the amelioration of conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups including those that are disadvantaged because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability...