Legal and Constitutional Affairs
Senators review the government's bill (C-32) to amend the Civil Marriage Act. The amendments will legally validate same-sex marriages of non-resident couples that were performed in Canada. These couples will be also be able to end their marriages if they cannot get a divorce where they live. The legislation was introduced in response to a court case involving a lesbian couple who lived in different countries and who were married in Toronto in 2005. The couple was later unable to get a divorce because the marriage was not recognized in the home jurisdictions of either spouse.
Lisa Hitch, senior counsel for Justice Canada's family, children and youth Section and University of Toronto law professor Brenda Cossman testify.
Senators conduct their clause-by-clause consideration of the bill after hearing from the two witnesses.
UPDATE: Bill C-32 received royal assent on June 26.
Add new comment