July 19, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) Jul. 19, 2003 - Same-sex marriage advocates face a tough battle in Alberta, according to a poll by Ipsos-Reid released by CFCN and the Globe and Mail. 57 per cent of residents in the Canadian province oppose wedlock for gay and lesbian couples.

(CPOD) Jul. 19, 2003 - Same-sex marriage advocates face a tough battle in Alberta, according to a poll by Ipsos-Reid released by CFCN and the Globe and Mail. 57 per cent of residents in the Canadian province oppose wedlock for gay and lesbian couples.

After court decisions in Ontario and British Columbia, the Canadian government is expected to finalize legislation that would enable same-sex couples all across the country to legally wed.

Alberta premier Ralph Klein recently hinted at using the Canadian constitution's notwithstanding clause to keep same-sex marriage out of the province. 58 per cent of respondents support Klein's proposed course of action.

Polling Data

In general, do you support or oppose same-sex couples being allowed to marry and register their marriage with their provincial government?

Support	41%
Oppose	57%

Would you support or oppose Alberta's use of the Constitution's notwithstanding clause in this case?

Support	58%
Oppose	40%

Source: Ipsos-Reid / CFCN / The Globe and Mail
Methodology: Interviews to 800 Albertans, conducted from Jun. 26 to Jun. 30, 2003. Margin of error is 3.5 per cent.