Nanny

July 13, 2005
Alberta gives in on gay marriage

Government vows to protect rights of wedding officials
By MICHAEL PLATT, CALGARY SUN

Alberta's fight against same-sex marriage is over, after Premier Ralph Klein admitted opposition to gay weddings is a lost cause.

Klein conceded defeat yesterday, saying a continued battle against federally-sanctioned same-sex marriages would be a waste of taxpayers' money.

"We will proceed to issue marriage licences to same-sex couples, much to our chagrin," said Klein.

"Government can give hope, as long as it's legitimate hope -- it can't give false hope, and to say we can fight this thing would be giving false hope.

"Our chances of winning were virtually zero."

Klein's government had been steadfast in its opposition to gay weddings, suggesting it might go as far as banning civil unions altogether as a way of preventing homosexual matrimony.

But yesterday, Klein said all such attempts will be abandoned as futile, with the government instead focusing on protecting those wedding officials who don't want, for religious, cultural or social reasons, to marry gay couples.

Government Services Minister Ty Lund said while the province will do its best to ensure the rights of wedding commissioners are protected, it will also stand up for same-sex couples who want to be married.

That means if no one can be found who will willingly perform the same-sex marriage service, the province will appoint someone who is agreeable.

Ontario and Quebec already have such protections in place, and federal Justice Minister Irwin Cotler has encouraged other provinces to do the same. In Manitoba, at least 12 commissioners have quit over their refusal to perform same-sex marriages.

Lund did say the province, if faced with a huge outcry over gay marriage, might look again at banning civil unions to end same-sex weddings.

"If that's the wish of the people of Alberta, we can come back to it later," he said.

The news of Alberta's acceptance of same-sex marriage was applauded by Calgary's gay community, but the loudest cheers were reserved for the province's promise to provide commissioners willing to conduct same-sex services.

"I'm even happier to hear they've taken steps to accommodate both sides in this issue," said gay activist Stephen Lock. "This is great news."

YesJess

*cheers*!!!!

Stanley

Yay. I'm glad more people are able to be more open minded.

Nanny

Alberta issues its first gay-marriage licence
By PABLO FERNANDEZ, CALGARY SUN


It took less than half an hour after same-sex marriage became legal in Alberta yesterday for a licence to be issued to a gay couple here.

Bill C-38, which makes gay marriage legal in Canada, was given royal assent yesterday and, about 4:30 p.m., Alberta followed suit, legalizing unions for gay couples, said Alberta Government Services spokeswoman Kim Hunt.

"Same-sex marriage is now legal in Alberta. ... We granted the first marriage licence about 25 minutes ago," said Hunt, at 5:25 p.m. yesterday.

"We are sending messages to registries throughout the province electronically, through faxes and via phone messages, alerting them of the changes and explaining to them the procedures they have to follow when processing the applications."

Stephen Lock -- a Calgarian who sits on the board of Egale Canada, a group working for equal rights for homosexuals nationwide -- said he was surprised by how fast a gay male couple was able to get a licence in Alberta, a staunch opponent of same sex marriages.

"I'm not surprised that a couple would just wait for the green light and rush down to get their licence," he said.

"But I am surprised it would be that quick, after the bill got royal assent, for a gay couple to be able to get a marriage licence."

Lock said although he's not aware of any city couples rushing to get their marriage licences, Calgarians Keith Purdy and Rick Kennedy have set a date for their wedding, to be held on Aug. 20.

"Today is the day when gay couples have the same rights as other Canadians and that's what it's all been about," said Lock. "It's been a long day ... but a good day."

http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Calgar...40708-sun.html

YesJess

That's just so damn awesome. It gave me chills.

Nanny

I love that closing line. "Today is the day when gay couples have the same rights as other Canadians and that's what it's all been about," said Lock. "It's been a long day ... but a good day."

YesJess

Yeah that is an amazing line. I just wish other places would follow in their footsteps. Its so great seeing people being able to be so openly happy.