LEGISLATION
This heading is used sparingly. Only a few items concerning legislative action will
be found here. See examples of related headings, given below in this note.
See, especially, HUMAN RIGHTS and its geographic subdivisions; also see
more specific topical descriptors; e.g., the provincial geographic subdivisions of
AIDS AND HIV for references to quarantine legislation; GAY COUPLES;
GAY RELATIONSHIPS; HOMOPHOBIA; LESBIAN COUPLES; PRIVACY;
TAXATION
Related heading: LAW
Heading LEGISLATION may also include failed legislation.
See the geographic subdivisions of LEGISLATION, below.
Note that the heading UNITED STATES -- LAW AND LEGISLATION is used for
those rare indexed items on American legislation.
LEGISLATION -- ALBERTA
Frightened by marriage [concerning the private member's bill against same-sex
marriage introduced by Red Deer Conservative MLA Victor Doerksen;
comments of some politicians and others as bill "is working its way through
the Alberta legislature"].
P136 (v18n3)(April 19, 2000): 14 (19cm.)
Domestic partners [newsnote that Alberta legislature "expected to debate a bill this fall
that would grant some protection and rights to same-sex couples";
Bill 30, Adult Interdependent Relationships Act; some details].
P153 (v20n4)(June 5, 2002): 19 (12cm.)
No change coming [Alberta MLA Victor Doerksen introduces private member's bill
to ban same-sex marriage in Alberta; this comes after Ontario court ruling on
unconstitutionality of denial of marriage to same-sex couples; in June, Alberta
government rather reluctantly "introduced legislation that would grant some
rights and responsibilities to same-sex couples"; other details].
P154 (v20n5)(July 31, 2002): 10 (21cm.)
Equal at last [two newsnotes in article: report that Bill 30 passed on Dec. 4, 2002
by Alberta; is the Adult Interdependent Relationships Act, which
"essentially grants equality to same-sex couples in Alberta"; law does not
affect marriage; other details; second report: ruling, the same day, by
Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission that province had
discriminated against 13 couples in health care; Keith Purdy was among
group of complainants].
P158 (v21n1)[cover misnumbered v201](Jan. 22, 2003): 13 (30cm.)
It's official [newsnote that Alberta government has proclaimed the
Adult Interdependent Relationships Act, "which provides the same rights
and responsibilities for people in 'unmarried, committed relationships' as
those in opposite-sex common-law relationships"; proclaimed June 1/03;
amends 68 laws addressing relationship issues].
P162 (v21n5)(July 23, 2003): 20 (16cm.)
LEGISLATION -- BRITISH COLUMBIA
Spousal rights coming [in British Columbia; NDP government has introduced "bill that
would grant equal rights to same-gender couples"; Bill 31 has passed first
reading "and there is little doubt that it will become law"; information on support
for and objections to the legislation; etc.].
P114 (v15n5)(July 30, 1997): 23 (53cm.)
Adoption rights recognized [in British Columbia; Bill 31, which deals with child custody
and support on relationship breakup, passes with large majority;
Family Relations Amendment Act changes definition of "spouse" so that a
"marriage-like relationship" now includes same-sex relationships;
details, including opposition from an openly-gay MLA; bill still requires royal
assent at time of this report].
P115 (v15n6)(Sept. 10, 1997): 24 (33cm.)
BC grants benefits ["British Columbia government has become the first government
to grant pension benefits to same-sex couples without having to be taken to
court"; reactions; other details].
P122 (v16n5)(July 29, 1998): 26 (25cm.)
More B.C. rights [now same death benefits; acts being updated "will give greater rights
in the areas of inheritance, redress of wrongful death of a spouse, and assistance
in probate issues"; B.C. "has also granted same-sex couples equal rights in
child custody, access and maintenance issues, and B.C. civil servants also
enjoy equal pension benefits"].
P129 (v17n4)(June 2, 1999): 27 (23cm.)
B.C. redefines "spouse" [newly-proclaimed Definition of Spouse Amendment Act;
expands definition to "legislation in the areas of wills, estates, inheritance and
other laws relating to the death of a spouse"; part of ongoing process of changes;
reactions, other details].
P132 (v17n7)(Oct. 27, 1999): 24 (30cm.)
LEGISLATION -- CANADA
See also, e.g., CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS;
CONSTITUTION -- CANADA; HUMAN RIGHTS -- CANADA
About law [discussing the limitations of the 1969 changes; "the expression of gay and
lesbian sexuality is still limited by sections of the Federal Code"].
P3 (1983): 8-9 (39cm.)
Tories kill bill [private member's bill introduced into House of Commons by Svend
Robinson].
P3 (1983): 14-15 (62cm.)
Ottawa to tackle "controversial" issues [Justice Minister John Crosbie says legislation
will be introduced to bring laws/regulations into conformity with Charter of
Rights and Freedoms; persons named who object to changes for gays:
Gordon Taylor (Alberta PC), Stan Darling (Ontario PC), Lloyd Crouse
(Nova Scotia MP), John Oostrom (Ontario PC MP)]. From Globe and Mail.
P19 [1985]: 27 (27cm.)
Forum: an opinion [concerning bill tabled in House of Commons by Justice Minister
John Crosbie on subject of banning pornographic/erotic material]. By Gens
Hellquist.
P25 [1986]: 26, 28 (54cm.)
Age of consent law changed [in Canada; Bill C-15 became law on June 30; also
abolishes "undefined charge of gross indecency"].
P36 (Oct. 21, 1987): 10 (16cm.)
Age of consent lowered [with Canadian legislation in effect January 1, 1988].
P39 (Feb. 24, 1988): 10 (10cm.)
New crime category [newsnote that Bill C-61 carries several Criminal Code sections of
interest to lesbians and gays]. From newsnotes compiled by Gens Hellquist.
P43 (Aug. 10, 1988): 32 (14cm.)
Supporting hate? ["it would appear that some MPs in Canada consider hate directed at
lesbians and gay men to be acceptable"; many MPs have spoken against
Bill C-41, which would allow judges to impose harsher penalties on those
convicted of hate crimes, objecting because this bill includes sexual orientation
in list of protections; specific mention of homophobic Liberal MPs
Roseanne Skoke and Tom Wappel, and also of Dan McTeague; Alberta Reform
MPs Art Hanger and Ken Epp also mentioned; Allan Rock maintained that bill
dealt with crime; etc.].
P93 (v12n8)(Dec. 7, 1994): 22 (52cm.)
Clearing another hurdle [Hate Crimes Bill, C-41, passed through Commons Justice
Committee; should soon pass third reading; would provide stiffer penalties for
hate crimes against certain groups, including gays/lesbians; opposition groups
trying to derail bill].
P97 (v13n4)(June 7, 1995): 23 (31cm.)
Hate bill passes [Bill C-41 passed third reading in House of Commons June 15, 1995;
now must be approved by Senate; some of strongest attacks from within Liberal
Party, by Roseanne Skoke and Tom Wappel; objections to sexual orientation
inclusion].
P98 (v13n5)(July 26, 1995): 20 (61cm.)
Challenging tax act [Canadian Union of Public Employees challenges Income Tax Act,
claiming discrimination on basis of sexual orientation; case heard July 25 and 26;
will be several months before decision].
P99 (v13n6)(Sept. 13, 1995): 21-22 (27cm.)
Commons rejects Réal marriage [House of Commons voted "overwhelmingly" to
reject Motion 264, a private member's bill sponsored by openly-gay Bloc
Québécois MP Réal Ménard and seconded by Svend Robinson; bill would have
legalized same-sex marriage].
P100 (v13n7)(Oct. 25, 1995): 20 (11cm.)
Criminalizing HIV transmission [Yorkton-Melville MP Garry Breitkreuz introduces
Bill C-354 to House of Commons to criminalize transmission of virus; reactions].
P102 (v14n1)(Jan. 31, 1996): 11 (23cm.)
Having a baby [reporting that if federal government's new proposed legislation on
reproductive technology (Bill C-47) becomes law, "it will most likely become
more difficult for lesbians to have babies"; etc.].
P107 (v14n6)(Sept. 11, 1996): 13 (36cm.)
Marriage & taxes [MP Svend Robinson has introduced two private member's bills --
C-385 is "designed to allow same-sex partners to have a legally recognized
marriage"; C-386 "would amend the Income Tax Act and the Canada Pension
Plan Act's definition of spouse"; private member's bills seldom become law].
P121 (v16n4)(June 10, 1998): 24 (27cm.)
Hate laws strengthened? [NDP MP Svend Robinson introduced private member's bill
(C-263) on October 26; intent is to amend Criminal Code section dealing with
hate propaganda to add sexual orientation to list of "identifiable groups";
details of submission].
P133 (v17n8)(Dec. 8, 1999): 27 (24cm.)
Equal loving field [federal omnibus legislation extending "to same-sex couples all
the rights and responsibilities accorded to unmarried opposite-sex couples"
tabled by Liberals on February 11, 2000; Bill C-23 affects "some 68 federal
laws and regulations"; details and reactions].
P135 (v18n2)(March 8, 2000): 24 (41cm.)
It's official [Bill C-23, amending 68 laws and regulations and providing same-sex
couples with same benefits as provided to common-law opposite-sex couples,
passed April 11 by vote of 174 to 72; now goes to Senate; details of both the
events leading up to passage and the legislation itself].
P136 (v18n3)(April 19, 2000): 26 (36cm.)
Immigration changes proposed [Liberals introduced Bill C-11 on February 21, 2001;
"if passed, it will amend the [Immigration] [A]ct allowing same-sex common-law
couples to sponsor foreign spouses for citizenship"; difficulties with co-habitation
requirement; government spokesperson says definition or test still being
determined; other details].
P144 (v19n3)(April 25, 2001): 27 (22cm.)
Will immigration cross the line? [Bill C-11 now being reviewed by Senate committee;
same-sex couples not explicitly included in definition of common-law couples;
various other details].
P149 (v19n8)(Dec. 5, 2001): 26 (26cm.)
Losing the battle [Souris-Moose Mountain riding Canadian Alliance Party MP
Roy Bailey unhappy that there is not more opposition to Bill C-250,
introduced by Svend Robinson to ensure that "sexual orientation" is
protected under federal hate crimes legislation; "a number of
Saskatchewan Alliance MPs have sent out letters to their constituents
opposing the Bill"; etc.].
P158 (v21n1)[cover misnumbered v201](Jan. 22, 2003): 12 (19cm.)
Discrimination OK [Maurice Vellacott, Saskatoon-Wanuskewin Alliance MP,
has called for removal of clause in federal reproductive technologies
legislation; is offended that a clause states no discrimination on basis
of sexual orientation; comments of others; bill is before Parliament].
P159 (v21n2)(March 5, 2003): 11 (29cm.)
Freedom threatened? [reporting on organized campaign against Bill C-250
to amend Canada's hate crime law to protect lesbians and gays;
campaign occurring in North Battleford; 7500 pamphlets produced by
Canada Family Action Coalition distributed; comments of several
religious leaders; concern about loss of religious freedom].
P159 (v21n2)(March 5, 2003): 19 (21cm.)
Svend filibusters [report on meeting of "Justice and Human Rights Committee"
to decide whether to adopt Bill C-250, introduced by Svend Robinson;
this bill would add "sexual orientation" to list of grounds under protection
in hate legislation; report of the politicking involved in attempt to defeat
this bill; many names and details given; request for public support].
P161 (v21n4)(May 28, 2003): 28 (41cm.)
Svend's bill passes [private member's bill introduced by Svend Robinson in
November 2001 passes third reading 141-110 on Sept. 17/03;
Bill C-250 includes "sexual orientation" in section of Criminal Code
concerning hate crimes; "long fought-for victory for Robinson, who
first tabled the bill in 1990"; bill now under review by Senate; other
details, including denunciation by Roman Catholic Church and Focus
on the Family group].
P164 (v21n7)(Oct. 22, 2003): 23-24 (38cm.)
Bill C-250: one step away [bill to amend hate crimes legislation has passed
second reading in Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee;
"Senator Anne Cools recently spoke to a delegation of Real Women of
Canada about the dangers she perceives from the proposed amendment,"
but her view is not that of the majority of senators; etc.].
P168 (v22n3)(April 21, 2004): 28 (18cm.)
Senate passes Bill C-250 [gays and lesbians "have now successfully been added
to the list of identifiable groups to be protected under Canada's hate
crimes legislation"; bill passed by large margin, but was not without its
opponents -- a quartet of Conservative senators, including David
Tkachuck and Gerry St. Germain, along with Liberal senator Anne Cools,
attempted to slow voting process; etc.].
P169 (v22n4)(June 2, 2004): 25 (33cm.)
Editorial ["we must all support those individuals and groups fighting to have
the bawdy house laws stricken from the books"; mention of recent raid on
steam bath in Hamilton, eight months after the Calgary raid, and also
routine police raids across Canada on public parks; attempt to control
human sexuality through bawdy house laws is unconstitutional, according
to writer, and laws seem to be reserved for queers; etc.].
P171 (v22n6)(Sept. 15, 2004): 3 (13cm.)
LEGISLATION -- MANITOBA
Provincial AIDS strategy [private member's resolution tabled in Manitoba legislature
calling for provincial AIDS strategy].
P103 (v14n2)(March 13, 1996): 19 (12cm.)
Adoption not allowed [Manitoba NDP government amended only 10 pieces of legislation
affecting same-sex couples, compared with Saskatchewan government's
amendment of "all their laws"; Bill 41 passed June 27, "but more than 70 other
laws in Manitoba continue to discriminate against same-sex couples"; details,
and comments of various individuals].
P146 (v19n5)(Aug. 1, 2001): 20 (18cm.)
Manitoba equality [Bill 53 introduced to "amend 56 statutes affecting marital and
common-law relationships"; "bill reflects principle that those in common-law
relationships (same and opposite sex) should be treated the same way as those
in marital relationships" regarding property on breakdown and on death of a
partner; bill will also provide for registration of a common-law relationship;
other details].
P154 (v20n5)(July 31, 2002): 10 (29cm.)
It's official ["Manitoba legislature passed Bill 34 in late July"; bill "essentially provides
equal rights for gay and lesbian couples in a wide range of areas including
adoption and encompasses 50 different pieces of legislation"; called The
Charter Compliance Act; some background and details].
P155 (v20n6)(Sept. 11, 2002): 20 (25cm.)
New property law [Manitoba legislation in effect June 30 extends property rights
to same-sex common-law couples; registry established at Vital Statistics
agency to allow common-law couples to register and bring them under
the legislation; details, including information on relationship termination
requirements; some wonder if this legislation is excuse to not allow
same-sex marriage in Manitoba].
P170 (v22n5)(July 21, 2004): 11 (18cm.)
LEGISLATION -- NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Making history [on October 1, 2002, Northwest Territories passed Bill 1, the
NWT Human Rights Act, which creates a Human Rights Commission and
prohibits discrimination on grounds which include sexual orientation;
also first Canadian jurisdiction to prohibit discrimination on grounds of gender
identity; Northwest Territories organization OutNorth along with EGALE
Canada appeared before the Legislative Committee; other details].
P157 (v20n8)(Dec. 4, 2002): 23 (25cm.)
LEGISLATION -- NUNAVUT
Queers in the North [queer rights a major issue in recent elections in Nunavut;
legislature "narrowly passed human rights legislation last fall";
Paul Okalik challenged for premiership by Tagak Curley, associated with
"burgeoning Christian fundamentalist movement...in the north"; Okalik
elected premier again March 5, so "it would appear that the human rights
legislation is safe for the time being"].
P167 (v22n2)[misnumbered v22n1 on contents page]
(March 10, 2004): 26 (24cm.)
LEGISLATION -- ONTARIO
Ontario debate [over issue of same-sex spousal benefits; NDP introduced Bill 167 on
May 19/94 to amend 56 pieces of legislation, including Human Rights Code;
narrowly survived first reading; at press time, not known if would pass;
additional contextual information].
P89 (v12n4)(June 8, 1994): 19 (51cm.)
Setback in Ontario [outrage and disappointment over defeat of Bill 167, "which would
have granted lesbian and gay couples many of the same rights that are
available to opposite-sex couples in Ontario; bill defeated on June 9; after
vote, 3000 demonstrated; etc.].
P90 (v12n5)(July 27, 1994): 19 (52cm.)
In many ways equal [on October 27, 1999, Ontario Conservative government of
Mike Harris passed Bill 5 "and changed almost 70 laws to make same-sex
couples of equal legal standing with heterosexual common-law couples";
background information; details, including mention of what bill does not do;
opinions expressed].
P133 (v17n8)(Dec. 8, 1999): 24-25 (79cm.)
LEGISLATION -- PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Now in P.E.I. ["one of the last provincial hold-outs has finally given in to the
Supreme Court ruling that same-sex couples should not be denied
equality..."; brief details].
P158 (v21n1)[cover misnumbered v201](Jan. 22, 2003): 28 (10cm.)
LEGISLATION -- QUÉBEC
Rights in Quebec [concern about "weakly written" Bill 133; hearings beginning on
legislation on same-sex spousal benefits; some details].
P104 (v14n3)(April 24, 1996)[dated April 26 on contents page]: 20 (18cm.)
Quebec introduces civil unions [newsnote that Quebec Justice Minister Paul Begin says
that if Quebec were independent state, same-sex couples would be allowed to
marry; because only federal government can legislate to allow same-sex marriage,
Begin has introduced legislation to allow civil union in the province; these civil
unions wouldn't, however, allow adoption, despite that right being in place in
other provinces; reaction].
P150 (v20n1)(Jan. 30, 2002): 28 (15cm.)
LEGISLATION -- SASKATCHEWAN
See also, especially, HUMAN RIGHTS -- SASKATCHEWAN
Legislation tabled [Saskatchewan government has given first reading to Bill 38 that
would prohibit sexual orientation discrimination; reactions of a number of
named Saskatchewan groups].
P80 (v11n3)(April 21, 1993): 11 (44cm.)
Saskatchewan rights [on June 22, 1993 Saskatchewan became the eighth
province/territory to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation;
Bill 38, to amend the Saskatchewan Human Rights Act, passed; additional
details].
P82 (v11n5)(July 28, 1993): 11 (65cm.)
Equality in relationships [reporting on Saskatchewan NDP government's tabling on
May 30 of Miscellaneous Statutes (Domestic Relations) Amendment Act, 2001;
to amend 24 statutes concerning relationships and definition of "spouse";
is result of Supreme Court of Canada decision in M v. H case; other details].
P145 (v19n4)(June 6, 2001): 20 (47cm.)
Equal relationships [final reading and royal assent on July 6, 2001 in Saskatchewan to
omnibus bill amending 24 pieces of legislation concerning spousal rights;
legislation change required by earlier Supreme Court of Canada ruling; also
some details on voting by Saskatchewan Party on this legislation].
P146 (v19n5)(Aug. 1, 2001): 13 (21cm.)
LEGISLATION -- UNITED STATES
See UNITED STATES -- LAW AND LEGISLATION