(CPOD) Oct. 13, 2004 - Many Canadians back the concept of wedlock for gay and lesbian partners, according to a poll by Ipsos-Reid released by CTV and the Globe and Mail. 53 per cent of respondents support allowing gays and lesbians to get married, while 43 per cent disagree.

Over the past two years, the courts in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Manitoba and the Yukon have ruled to allow legal same-sex marriages. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of Canada held two days of hearings on the matter. A ruling is expected in the coming months.

If the Supreme Court were to decree that same sex marriage is constitutional, 52 per cent of respondents would accept the decision without restrictions, while 45 per cent would prefer that the word "marriage" be applied only to heterosexual couples.

Belgium and the Netherlands currently allow marriage for same-sex partners.

Polling Data

As you may know, the courts in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Manitoba and the Yukon have recognized same-sex marriages in their province or territory and made them legal. Based on knowing this, do you support or oppose same-sex couples being allowed to marry and register their marriage with their provincial government?

Now, let's suppose that the Supreme Court of Canada rules similarly that same sex marriage is constitutional. Would you accept this decision fully with no restrictions in its application and that the word marriage be used for everyone or do you want the federal government to do everything it can to make the legal use of the word "marriage" apply only to heterosexuals in law, that is a man and a woman?

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