History being made in Canada

For those who might be interested, the final minutes of debate on equal marriage ("same sex") marriage in the Canadian House of Commons is wrapping up. Shortly thereafter there will be a final vote on the legislation, Bill C-38.

Just because it's Canada, doesn't mean it's not interesting. And clearly, Canada is not a paradise without homophobia.

Won the war, many skirmishes to follow....

Equal marriage legislation passes Canada's House of Commons

In the end the vote was decisive: 158 in favour, 133 against.

I've been tearing up watching this--for all sorts of reasons. But what particularly moved me was that each openly queer Member received a burst of applause.

The Senate should approve this is short order, then it's time for Royal Assent and the Bill becomes law.

Thank you Gawd for letting me become a Canadian. Thank you Canada for treating me and my family as equals.

of special interest to f8n_begorra, <user site="livejournal.com

But an Irish-born rookie Liberal MP was quoting Trudeau's famous line about the state having no place in the bedrooms of the nation. Michael Savage spoke poignantly about a member of his own family, and described the tolerance that he says makes Canada special.

"I have not compromised my faith in supporting this legislation. I have embraced it," he said."The fact that we (in Canada) are among the first is not something we should hide. It's something we should celebrate. . . ."(We are) a nation of equality. A nation of strength. A nation of compassion. A nation that believes we're stronger together than we are apart. And a nation where we celebrate equality. . . .

"We will send a statement to the world that in Canada gays and lesbians will not be considered second-class citizens."

Sure as, sure as...