Abstract
Canada's policies on Gay and Lesbian rights are direct examples of canada's cultural policies, which fit in under the greater heading of multiculturalism. The paper discusses the history of multiculturalism policy, the history of gay and lesbian rights in Canada, and concludes by stating what Canada's policies say about the role of the state in Canada.

From the Paper
"Multicultural policy issues concerning French-English relations and Aboriginal policy have continued to make the political agenda since the introduction of multicultural policy in Canada. There have been issues of Quebec separatism and Aboriginal groups continue to launch land claims and fight for self-government. However, for the purposes of this paper, a more recent and current multiculturalism policy will be discussed. Sexual orientation policy, and more specifically, same-sex marriage policy, is a topic on the current Government's political agenda (Brooks, 1998). The issue is a matter of whether or not same-sex couples should be allowed to enter into legally recognized marriages, and more broadly, what the government's role in marriage should be. The topic has been brought to the political agenda through a number of methods, including pressure from interested lobby groups, international policies of western European countries, and most importantly, rulings of the Canadian judiciary. Recent court rulings have essentially forced the Federal government to examine the issue of same-sex marriage. In 1998, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in M.v.H. that the Ontario Family Law Act's definition of spouse was in violation of s.15 of the Charter by not including same-sex partners. The Court changed the definition of spouse in the Ontario FLA to include same-sex partners and urged governments across the nation to update all legislation concerning the definition of "spouse" in order to avoid litigation and similar rulings (Sanders, 1994). As a result of the Supreme Court's ruling, the Government introduced Bill C-23, the Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Bill that changed the definition of spouse to include same-sex common law partners. In July of 2002, the Ontario Superior court ruled in "the Banns" case that the restriction of marriage to heterosexual couples was in violation of the Charter and declared 2 same-sex marriages performed at Toronto's MCC to be legal. The Ontario government passed on appealing the decision stating that marriage fell under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government and therefore, only the federal government could decide who can marry. The Federal Government requested a delay in submitting an appeal on the case in order to examine the issue further. In November of 2002, the Justice Minister submitted a discussion paper on the issue of Marriage and the legal recognition of same-sex unions, in which he outlined four possible solutions that the government could take on the issue."

Tags:analysis, gay, lesbian, pluralism, policy, public, radical, rights, statism

Abstract
In this article, the writer deals with the contemporary debate over the legal and social acceptance of homosexual couples. The paper maintains that, from legal perspective, the acceptance of homosexual couples is supported under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as well as the case of "M. v. H". The writer concludes that, protected legally under sections 2 and 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, homosexuals are legally accepted as part of society; with equal rights as heterosexuals. The writer maintains that, if some find homosexuality to be a problem, they must still realize that homophobia, hate crimes, and overall discrimination is not the solution.

From the Paper
"Canada is well known for being a 'tossed salad', rather than a melting pot of cultures like the United States. This is due to its acceptance of different cultures and promotion of cultural diversity. In such a diverse society it is difficult to create laws that are pleasing to all. Pluralism in Canada does not cease at culture alone, but also includes religion and sexual orientation. Homosexuality has become a rising issue in society and should be accepted in the same manner as cultural and religious diversity. Unfortunately, this is not the case. From a social standpoint, homosexuality may be found morally corrupt for those with certain ethical and religious principles. Contrarily, it may be found as a new form of self-expression and freedom for those who wish to condone or practice it. From a legal standpoint, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the freedom of association, as well as the freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression."

Tags:gay marriage, M. v. H., Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Abstract
This paper outlines the ongoing prejudice and discrimination towards the gay community in Canada. In particular, the paper looks at how one of the biggest controversies regarding gay rights has been over the right for gay and lesbian couples to engage in marriage and over the issues related to marriage such as spousal rights and adoption.

From the Paper
"Heterosexual marriages have more acceptance and rights than those in the homosexual community. In a marriage with a male and female partner, the Government pays pensions to the surviving spouse after the other mate has died, they receive annuities, retirement benefits, housing rights, social security, medical benefits and various other advantages. However, the gay and lesbian community is excluded. They do not get any of these benefits because the government legislation does not recognize same-gender couples and therefore denies them of any benefits received by heterosexual partners. Right now, employers have been told that employee benefits that were once only given to married spouses are now also available to anyone who lives someone of the opposite sex for one year or more. "

Tags:marriage, adoption

Abstract
This paper is an argumentative essay promoting the legalization of same-sex marriages. The author focuses on the legal aspects of same sex marriages arguing for the legal rights such as insurance and parental status that need to be enforced.

From the Paper
"The proposed legalization of same-sex marriages is one of the most significant, yet controversial issues facing America today. Same-sex marriages, also known as Civil Unions, should be legalized in every state in the United States. Right now, in the United States, same-sex couples do not receive the same benefits and legal rights that married couples take for granted. These benefits include cheaper health insurance rates, life insurance benefits, funeral leave of absence from work, legal parental status with a partner's child, and significant tax reductions."

Tags:civil, gay, homosexual, marriages, rights, unions, sex

Abstract
This paper uses the public policy cycle to examine the government's current initiative to discuss possible solutions to same-sex marriage and provides a brief historical context. The paper provides an insight into this controversial topic from the legal point of view and outlines the role played by the courts and their rulings on these issues.

Table of Contents
History of Homosexual and Same-Sex Relationship Rights in Canada
Policy Formation & Decision Making
Discussion Paper
Response to Discussion Paper
Horizontal Consistency of Current and Proposed Policy
Conclusion
Policy Implementation and Evaluation
References

From the Paper
"The Federal Government of Canada is currently debating a discussion paper submitted by the Minister of Justice, Martin Cauchon, concerning the issue of same-sex marriage. The topic of same-sex marriage is one of great controversy in Canada and its journey to being placed on the current Government's public policy agenda has been a tumultuous one. For gay and lesbian couples, the journey has been long, seemingly traveling at a snail's pace. Yet in the grand scheme of things, the fact that the government is now seriously considering the issue of same-sex marriage is remarkable considering that thirty-three years ago homosexuality was still considered a criminal offense in Canada. Even when Prime Minister Trudeau decriminalized homosexuality in 1969, it was done so under the 'right to privacy' and thus deemed an issue best kept hidden from the public sphere and relegated to silence (Wood, 2002). The thirty-three years between decriminalization of homosexuality and today's consideration of same-sex marriage, has been marked by a very incremental and tedious process of gaining homosexual rights. While Canada is still far from a society that is accepting and condoning of same-sex relationships, progress has been made at a relatively steady rate. In 1999 the Federal Government changed the definition of spouse to include same-sex partners but tacked on an explicit clause stating that the definition of marriage would remain one man and one woman (Wood, 2002). Now, only three years later, the government is actively considering changing its policy on same-sex marriage."

Tags:civil, court, gay, government, homosexuals, legal, lesbian, supreme, toronto

Abstract
This paper discusses gay marriages, using mockery and sarcasm, to rebut the arguments that gay marriages would prove to be severe threats to the traditional family values within American society. The author provides arguments to the much discussed issues against gay marriages such as, procreation and threats to the sacredness of traditional marriages and American values.

From the Paper
"To find proof of the disturbance of these individuals, one need not look any further than their desire to become married. It is completely and utterly irrational and illogical to enter into a contract that, within the United States, has less than a 50% chance of success, requires becoming liable for another person's financial debt and responsibilities, as well as caring for that individual regardless of life circumstances, or in other words, through sickness and through health. Any person with minimal knowledge of investments and good rates of return would advise an individual against entering into a contract with such dismal odds for success, and yet these gay and lesbian couples continue to fight vehemently to be allowed the right to marry. Obviously, they suffer from serious mental illnesses causing delusions and irrational thought patterns."

Tags:homosexuals

Abstract
This paper argues that the US should legalize same-sex marriages. The paper looks at both sides of the contentious debate over same-sex marriages and points out that much of the opposition to same-sex marriages is based on religious dogma and tradition. The paper then argues that all individuals in the United States deserve the same rights and to achieve these rights, legislations should move away from being heavily influenced by religious dogma. The paper further contends that by denying this fundamental right, the US is moving backwards with respect to human rights and personal freedoms and liberties.

From the Paper
"Same-sex marriage has been called a lot of different things. Most predominantly, the media in the United States has called it gay marriage. The use of such terminology provides a good starting point for an analysis of the topic of same-sex marriage. The term "gay" is used to refer to homosexual men. However, the word 'gay' has many greater connotations within American society. Gay is used as a common slag word to imply that something is stupid, worthless, unmanly, or useless. For many Americans, the word brings of connotations of the grotesque, and of the unknown. Often these connotations of the grotesque are born not out of personal experience with other gay men, but of mental imagery, fear of the unknown, ignorance and homophobia (Saunders, 1994). Thus, the media's use of the word gay in describing same-sex marriages places a connotation on the phrase before any other details of the issue are described. "

Tags:gays, lesbians, human, rights

Abstract
This paper examines how with the increasing visibility of gays and lesbians in society, religious leaders, child psychologists, and other professionals are beginning to question whether children raised by a gay or lesbian couple will function the same as children raised by heterosexual couples. It looks at how there are many arguments against same sex couples raising children and how these arguments come from the religious community.

From the Paper
"It is evident that the traditional nuclear family has changed. It is no longer just mother, father and child. The family has become single parents, biracial couples; blended families, communal living, and homosexual couples are only a few among others. In the last decade Canada has seen a huge change in the legal and social status of lesbians and gay men. They are now able to marry divorce, adopt and have custody of children. Same sex marriage is now legal in parts of the world. Many believe this kind of unions is redefining what marriage and family is. It is true the number of same-sex families in Canada is unknown because the statistics Canada census "does not distinguish between unrelated individuals sharing living quarters and those who have a sexual relationship. "

Tags:children, love, parent, gay, lesbian

Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the debate on same-sex marriage in the United States. It explains exactly what same-sex marriage is and what it is not and reviews the arguments of those who are for same-sex marriage and those who are against same-sex marriage. The paper also examines the current events in the United States and abroad that are related to this topic, in order to provide a complete examination of current and up-to-date information.

Outline:
What is Same-Sex Marriage?
The Case for Same-Sex Marriage
The Case against Same-Sex Marriage
The Media's Role in the Debate
Current Events in the U.S. Concerning Same-Sex Marriage
Current Events on the International Scene

From the Paper
"Over the past few years, the topic of gay and lesbian rights has become more and more mainstream within the United States and other Western World nations. It has become difficult to turn on the television or open up a newspaper in North America without coming across some news story concerning the continued battle for equality within North America, based on sexual orientation. The debate has become fierce, with proponents on both sides of the argument vehemently passionate about their opinions and desires. The media has been there for the duration of the debate, bringing the highlights to the general public and often instilling a high level of moral fever across the nation. Unfortunately, due to the strong emotions connected to the subject of same-sex marriage, the topic very rarely receives an objective overview within the media. Media stories tend to focus on one side of the debate or the other, but mostly on the tension between the two sides. Rarely are the actual details of the debate spelled out to American society in a manner that would allow individuals to make a more informed decision about the topic. The goal of this paper will be to provide an overview of the debate on same-sex marriage in the United States. This will be done by spelling out exactly what same-sex marriage is and what it is not. It will review the arguments of those who are for same-sex marriage and those who are against same-sex marriage. The paper will also examine the current events in the United States and abroad that are related to this topic, in order to provide a complete examination of current and up to date information."

Tags:equality, religion, institution, predispostion

Abstract
This paper examines many of the different cultural views on marriage that exist today. It specifically examines the differences in views on the role of women, the legalization of same-sex marriage, views on multiple partners and the relationship between marriage and religion. The paper concludes that views on these issues can vary greatly between cultures.

From the Paper
"As noted previously, issues of religion often play a large role in the various views towards different aspects of marriage found in cultures (Erber & Erber, 2001). Religion is responsible, for example, for many of the differences in opinion concerning same-sex marriage. In addition, religion also can dictate the role a woman plays in marriage, and the extent to which religion guides the laws of the land often influences the laws concerning women in marriage. Thus, countries with more singular religions, such as Muslim countries, often have all of their legal laws dictated by a single religion, and as such, their laws often prohibit certain behaviours within marriage, such as the empowerment of women, divorce or same-sex marriage (Erber & Erber, 2001). On the other hand, some religions permit even more 'liberal' views of marriage, and if these religions form the law of the land, often times it is possible find the legalization of multiple partners, or polygamy. However, polygamy often acts in favour of men, with men being allowed to take multiple wives but women not being allowed to have multiple husbands. It is clear that often a culture's views on marriage are determined by the culture's relationship with religion."

Tags:relationships, divorce, family, partners