Canada court backs same-sex marriage plans
09/12/2004 - 15:25:48The Canadian Supreme Court said today the government can redefine marriage to include same-sex couples, but added that religious officials cannot be forced to perform unions against their beliefs.
However, legislation to allow gay marriage must still pass in the 155-seat House of Commons.
Canada would join Belgium and the Netherlands in allowing gay marriage if the government rules that it is legal nationwide.
The court’s decision brings to the final stages a long, bitter fight over whether gays and lesbians should be allowed to marry in Canada.
Judges in six provinces and one territory have already overturned the traditional definition, allowing thousands of same-sex weddings.
