- Many adults in Canada believe homosexual couples should continue to be allowed to enter wedlock, according to a poll by The Strategic Counsel released by CTV and the Globe and Mail. 58 per cent of respondents would vote to keep the same-sex marriage law.

In July 2005, Canada legalized same-sex marriage. The legislation covers civil ceremonies, and states that no members of the clergy would be forced to perform a same-sex wedding unless they so desire. More than 12,000 marriage licenses have been issued to gay and lesbian couples in Canada.

Canadians renewed the House of Commons in January. The Conservative party—led by Stephen Harper—received 36.3 per cent of the vote, and secured 124 seats in the 308-member lower house. Since February, Harper leads a minority administration after more than 12 years of government by the Liberal party.

Today, the House of Commons will debate a motion, tabled by the Conservative government, which seeks to "call on the government to introduce legislation to restore the traditional definition of marriage without affecting civil unions and while respecting existing same-sex marriages."

On Dec. 4, new Liberal leader Stéphane Dion discussed the impending legislative vote, saying, "I will discuss the kind of vote it will be with the caucus, but I have been clear many times. To me, it's a matter of respect of the Charter of Rights."

Same-sex marriage is currently legal in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, South Africa and Canada, and at least 18 countries offer some form of legal recognition to same sex unions.

Polling Data

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