This monthly column features news and issues affecting gays and lesbians in Canada and around the world.
Both houses, the state Senate and the Legislature in California passed a historic bill legalizing same sex marriage… except Governor Schwarzenegger, who veto’d the bill.
The first country in the world to ban same-sex marriage on a “federal” level in their constitution is Uganda. President Yoweri Museveni signed the constitutional amendment into law. It specifies that same-sex marriages are illegal, not just providing a definition for marriage in the country.
Civil Unions became law in Connecticut on midnight, Saturday, October 1. However, not all gay couples are celebrating this legislative first. The state is the first to pass such a law without being required to by the courts. Many believe this to be a second class compromise.
The Vatican is banning gay priests. On a recommendation approved by the Pope, gay priests, even those who are celibate, are no longer welcome in the Roman Catholic faith. Many who oppose it believe it will cause great harm to the Church.
“I am a strong Catholic,” Prime Minister Paul Martin told a gathering of reporters. The Vatican is discussing refusing sacraments such as holy communion to those politicians who pass laws that violate church law. The Prime Minister stands by his decision to legalize same-sex marriage.
Quote of the Month
“After 30 years of feeling married in our hearts and living our lives as if we’re married, accepting a status that’s not marriage is very insulting, there’s no greater love than what Carol and I have shared for 30 years.”