LESBIAN COUPLES

See also geographic subdivisions of this heading, below.
See also ADOPTION; GAY DIVORCE; GAY MARRIAGE; FAMILY; IMMIGRATION
See also other relevant headings; e.g., EMPLOYMENT, regarding spousal issues; GAY RELATIONSHIPS and note at that heading; headings for specific topics of interest; e.g., PENSIONS; YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
User will note that heading GAY COUPLES is also used, and that there is overlap between that descriptor and this one.
Love and work [in relation to lesbian relationships and culture]. Reprinted from Regina Lesbian Newsletter, Feb. 1985.
P15 [1985]: 7-8 (52cm.)
Building relationships: male couples; lesbian couples. By HB (article on male couples) and Margo (article on lesbian couples); various sources listed.
P53 (v7n8)(Nov. 23, 1989): 4-6 (170cm.)
Lesbian battering [violence within lesbian relationships, including author's reference to her own experiences]. By Sheryl.
P71 (v10n2)(March 18, 1992): 6-7 (125cm.)
Monogamy. By Pauline Caskanette.
P75 (v10n6)(Sept. 16, 1992): 9 (46cm.)
Studying abuse [newsnote that Janice Ristock of University of Manitoba receives grant from Lesbian Health Fund, based in US, to study abuse in lesbian relationships].
P90 (v12n5)(July 27, 1994): 13 (9cm.)
Violent love [concerning partner abuse in lesbian relationships]. By Charlotte Thompson.
P95 (v13n2)[misnumbered v13n1 on contents page](March 8, 1995): 9 (68cm.)
Spousal benefits: what do we really want [emphasizing need to define "spousal benefits," and touching on gay marriage/divorce, pension benefits, definition of "spouse," adoption rights, and disagreements about these issues within the gay/lesbian community]. By Barry W. Dixon.
P99 (v13n6)(Sept. 13, 1995): 8 (58cm.)
I wish you well [reflections on friendship and on breaking up]. By Donna Mumm.
P104 (v14n3)(April 24, 1996)[dated April 26 on contents page]: 4 (53cm.)
Something borrowed, something plaid [personal account by the author of her gay marriage, with details of the planning as well as of emotional aspects]. By Jesse Invik.
P120 (v16n3)(April 29, 1998): 10 (38cm.)
Partner abuse [highlighting handbook, Abuse in Lesbian Relationships, co-authored by Janice Ristock; comments by Sally Papso, a Winnipeg counselor, and Gens Hellquist, Gay and Lesbian Health Services, Saskatoon; etc.].
P127 (v17n2)(March 10, 1999): 9 (32cm.)
More from Rome [concerning Vatican's November 21, 2000 release of 77-page document titled "Family, Marriage and 'De Facto' Unions"; paper warns of "grave damage" to family and society in extending legal status to same-gender couples and unmarried heterosexual couples; criticisms by human rights groups; in related event, this church recently reaffirmed opposition to condoms; etc.].
P142 (v19n1)(Jan. 31, 2001): 29 (36cm.)
Lesbian survivor website [newsnote about Rainbow Hope, website for and by lesbian survivors; includes page for couples who are both survivors and one for partners of survivors; etc.].
P143 (v19n2)(March 14, 2001): 25 (18cm.)
A dirty little secret [concerning partner abuse in same-sex relationships; important for those in abusive relationship to get support]. By Gens Hellquist.
P156 (v20n7)(Oct. 23, 2002): 4, 7 (71cm.)
Partner research [Jeanette Auger, Acadia University researcher, is writing book to be published later this year by Fernwood Books, Halifax, "about the end-of-life decisions made by same-sex partners"; etc.; contact information (compiler note: the book, titled Passing Through, was published by Fernwood in 2003)].
P159 (v21n2)(March 5, 2003): 27 (15cm.)

LESBIAN COUPLES -- ALBERTA

Fighting to adopt [two lesbian couples go to court in Alberta for right to adopt biological child of partner; details].
P116 (v15n7)(Oct. 22, 1997): 12 (24cm.)
It never ends [concerning gay/lesbian equality debate in Alberta; Alberta government has refused to include gay relationships in new Domestic Relations Act; government has suggested will establish registry for non-married couples; comments and recommendations of Equal Alberta, a gay rights advocacy group; other government policy statements concerning gays].
P128 (v17n3)(April 21, 1999): 10 (48cm.)
Klein will study matter [Alberta Premier Ralph Klein's response to Supreme Court ruling that, in Ontario, gay/lesbian couples must be included in family law legislation (M v. H case); comments about government position regarding gay adoption, fighting in caucus by traditionalists, etc.].
P129 (v17n4)(June 2, 1999): 21 (28cm.)
Taking our money [news report that Alberta treasurer, Stockwell Day, is interested in recognizing same-sex relationships in area of taxation; government likely to collect more taxes in this way; "Day...has never been known to be a friend of the gay and lesbian community and has frequently spoken out in opposition to equality rights..."; etc.].
P136 (v18n3)(April 19, 2000): 11 (20cm.)
Getting into the Act [very brief newsnote stating that "it appears that even the Conservative government in Alberta is preparing to amend domestic partnership laws...to cover same-sex relationships"; this follows on Brent Johnson case in Alberta concerning Intestate Succession Act; no indication on when legislation might be introduced].
P145 (v19n4)(June 6, 2001): 14 (14cm.)
Equality in Alberta? [recent report to province recommends same legal benefits to same-sex couples as are available to married couples so as to comply with Charter; other details].
P150 (v20n1)(Jan. 30, 2002): 13 (17cm.)
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.)
Suing Ralph [thirteen have filed human rights complaint against Alberta government for refusing to recognize "same-sex couples that have health care coverage through employee benefit plans"; suit spearheaded by Alberta Human Rights Commission; other details].
P157 (v20n8)(Dec. 4, 2002): 12 (29cm.)
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.)

LESBIAN COUPLES -- BRITISH COLUMBIA

Lesbian becomes lover's guardian [B.C. Supreme Court gives Gail Meredith control over lover, Judy's, legal affairs, after Judy falls ill].
P37 (Dec. 1, 1987): 13 (12cm.)
Spousal rights in B.C.? [Bill Black, UBC law professor who is out as a gay man, appointed in 1993 to review B.C. Human Rights Act; has been holding hearings, and report to be released in the fall; some brief details regarding meetings and comments].
P91 (v12n6)(Sept. 14, 1994): 24 (17cm.)
A.I. okay in B.C. [lesbian couple in British Columbia challenged Dr. Korn for withholding insemination services; physician ordered to pay compensation and legal expenses; details].
P99 (v13n6)(Sept. 13, 1995): 24 (19cm.)
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.)
BC women wed [Georgina Scott and Linda Fraser of British Columbia now legally married lesbian couple because, when they married, Georgina was legally and physically a man; details].
P117 (v15n8)(Dec. 3, 1997): 26 (22cm.)
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.)
C-23 debate continues ["Bill C-23 defined marriage as the union between a man and a woman,...eliminating the possibility of same-sex marriage"; British Columbia attorney-general believes this is wrong; issue arose when Judy Lightwater and Cynthia Callaghan denied marriage license; a Quebec case already in court (Hendricks); Toronto issue; opposition from REAL Women group; etc.].
P138 (v18n5)(Aug. 2, 2000): 25 (25cm.)
The final barriers [newsnote that two British Columbia lesbian couples taking provincial government to court "over one of the last laws that discriminate against same-sex couples"; couples want to register both partners as parents of newborn conceived through assisted insemination; feel that being required to go through adoption procedure discriminatory].
P143 (v19n2)(March 14, 2001): 26 (14cm.)
B.C. couples fight [B.C. Supreme Court judge "is deliberating over a July court case of eight same-sex couples who challenged the constitutionality of the country's marriage laws"; decision expected by late October; details].
P147 (v19n6)(Sept. 12, 2001): 25 (34cm.)
Judge admits it's discrimination [in case of eight same-sex couples challenging federal government that exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage was against the Charter, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Ian Pitfield agreed that this was discrimination, but discrimination acceptable because he judged Charter supported marriage's function of raising children; B.C. government withdrew from case when Liberals replaced NDP as provincial government; other details].
P148 (v19n7)[misnumbered v19n6 on contents page](Oct. 24, 2001): 26 (32cm.)
The government giveth... [NDP government of British Columbia caused Vital Statistics agency to accept listing of lesbian partner of biological mother as other parent on birth certificate, which permitted bypassing of lengthy adoption process; now new provincial Liberal government has asked for review of this procedure].
P152 (v20n3)(April 24, 2002): 28 (12cm.)
Who rules whose rules? [lengthy report with example cases concerning difficulties, despite the law, that bureaucrats have created in cases of birth registration of children of same-sex lesbian couples, and related adoption matters; Ontario case of Zo Newman and a British Columbia case handled by lawyer Barbara Findlay; details].
P157 (v20n8)(Dec. 4, 2002): 22 (62cm.)

LESBIAN COUPLES -- CANADA

See also IMMIGRATION; also note relevant direction, above, at LESBIAN COUPLES
Air Canada says yes [to transfer of Aeroplan air mileage points to surviving same-sex spouse in event of death of partner; complaint originally filed by Kevin Bishop with Canadian Human Rights Commission].
P89 (v12n4)(June 8, 1994): 24 (7cm.)
Watered down resolution ["delegates to the United Church's general council in August were not prepared to fully support redefining the term 'spouse' in the Income Tax Act"; approved watered-down resolution; etc.].
P115 (v15n6)(Sept. 10, 1997): 13 (15cm.)
EGALE postcard campaign [newsnote that, in response to Reform Party's success in legislating marriage definition to be union of man and woman, EGALE and Foundation for Equal Families have begun massive postcard campaign calling on federal government to recognize same-sex couples in all federal laws].
P130 (v17n5)(July 28, 1999): 25 (16cm.)
Equality has two faces [in which author points out that the legal changes occurring in Canada are creating equality of rights, but also of obligations, for gay couples; points to some of the obligations, which in some situations might be losses, for gay couples; author is of opinion that energy being used in a determined effort to have gay relationships recognized as "marriages" could better be used to combat homophobia in health care and education; concludes with a theory of why some heterosexual men are homophobic]. By Gens Hellquist.
P135 (v18n2)(March 8, 2000): 4-5 (63cm.)
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.)
Paying the piper [news report on some of effects, particularly regarding tax-related matters, of recent changes, last year, in federal legislation related to same-sex couples].
P142 (v19n1)(Jan. 31, 2001): 27 (42cm.)
Lesbian writer balks at "marriage" [newsnote that author Jane Rule "has publicly spoken out against the fight for same-sex marriage and common-law benefits"; considers this pursuit a step back; criticized Svend Robinson and EGALE Canada for taking on issue].
P144 (v19n3)(April 25, 2001): 25 (11cm.)
It's time to be counted [report on May 15, 2001 Canadian census day questionnaire, which includes two questions directly of relevance to gays/lesbians in same-sex relationship; the questions are stated in this report; importance of the questions; suggestion that there will be reluctance by many to answer accurately because of discrimination and memories of past treatment].
P144 (v19n3)(April 25, 2001): 26 (31cm.)
A tax-time reminder [the federal Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Act, passed in 2000, "requires common-law couples (including same-sex couples) to declare their relationship" when doing income tax, effective for 2001; details of some of the effects; etc.].
P152 (v20n3)(April 24, 2002): 26 (28cm.)
Same-sex couples count ["for the first time Statistics Canada has included same-sex couples in the definition of common law couples in the Census"; of about seven million couples, over 34,000 identified themselves as living with same-sex partner; other details].
P157 (v20n8)(Dec. 4, 2002): 24 (14cm.)
Lesbian partner abuse [Fort Garry Women's Resource Centre, in partnership with Family Violence Prevention Branch, receives funding from Justice Canada for one-year project "addressing abuse in lesbian relationships"; titled Lesbian Domestic Violence Education, Awareness and Prevention Project; details].
P161 (v21n4)(May 28, 2003): 11 (25cm.)
Pension suit pending ["class action suit on behalf of surviving gay and lesbian spouses who were denied Canada Pension Plan benefits" was registered Nov. 27, 2001; set to go to trial Sept. 8, 2003 in Ontario Superior Court of Justice; concerns those whose same-sex common-law partner died between April 17, 1985 and Jan. 1, 1998; other details].
P163 (v21n6)(Sept. 10, 2003): 26 (21cm.)
Surviving spouses go to trial [class action lawsuit against federal government regarding pre-1998 Canada Pension Plan benefits for surviving gay spouses went to trial Sept. 8/03; "decision not expected until early next year"; details].
P164 (v21n7)(Oct. 22, 2003): 24 (13cm.)
Court gives, Martin takes [newsnote that Paul Martin government has decided to appeal ruling of Ontario Superior Court that federal government discriminated against surviving partners in same-sex relationships in not making Canada Pension Plan survivor benefits retroactive to 1985; some details].
P166 (v22n1)(Jan. 28, 2004): 26 (15cm.)
Survivor victory [class-action lawsuit for Canada Pension Plan survivor benefits retroactive to 1985 has been settled; claimants happy, but government could appeal; details].
P173 (v22n8)(Dec. 8, 2004): 27 (26cm.)

LESBIAN COUPLES -- MANITOBA

Lesbians a couple [two Winnipeg lesbians have obtained welfare as a couple from City of Winnipeg; precedent].
P57 (v8n4)(May 30, 1990): 9 (45cm.)
The uncomfortable pew [author Heather Funk's personal account of some experiences as a lesbian United Church minister in a rural Manitoba pastoral charge with her partner; her conviction that "the power of Good is stronger than the power of Evil"].
P123 (v16n6)(Sept. 16, 1998): 8 (34cm.)
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.)
Call to action [Manitoba government criticized for amending so few of laws regarding spousal relationships with their Bill 41; has appointed two-person review commission to take community submissions; etc.].
P147 (v19n6)(Sept. 12, 2001): 20 (21cm.)
Manitoba kids [newsnote that Manitoba justice minister says government will change provincial laws to allow lesbian/gay couples to adopt; currently single gay or lesbian can adopt, but not couples].
P150 (v20n1)(Jan. 30, 2002): 13 (10cm.)
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.)
Lesbian partner abuse [Fort Garry Women's Resource Centre, in partnership with Family Violence Prevention Branch, receives funding from Justice Canada for one-year project "addressing abuse in lesbian relationships"; titled Lesbian Domestic Violence Education, Awareness and Prevention Project; details].
P161 (v21n4)(May 28, 2003): 11 (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.)

LESBIAN COUPLES -- NOVA SCOTIA

Not a couple [Sydney, Nova Scotia lesbian couple find they are not considered family in case of the family sales tax exemption on sale of car to family member; no special mention in Nova Scotia legislation; Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission head cites recent Ontario and Manitoba cases in which same-sex couples not recognized as family].
P72 (v10n3)(April 29, 1992): 18 (15cm.)
Sharing the news [lesbian couple convinces Halifax Chronicle-Herald newspaper to change policy on same-gender announcements; the two women have planned a commitment ceremony].
P105 (v14n4)(June 5, 1996): 21 (19cm.)
Maritimers take the lead [report on actions of Nova Scotia government in legislation with respect to gay/lesbian couples; Bill 75 tabled on November 6, 2000; also introduced change to create Registered Domestic Partnership, for which requirements similar to but not identical with those for marriage; other details].
P142 (v19n1)(Jan. 31, 2001): 26 (39cm.)
Nova Scotia makes changes [reporting that four Halifax couples have registered for province's new domestic partner certificate; some details of legislation permitting this; "Nova Scotia is the first province to recognize same-sex partners in a registration"].
P146 (v19n5)(Aug. 1, 2001): 28 (14cm.)

LESBIAN COUPLES -- ONTARIO

Spousal rights [Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario has begun lobby for equality of gay and lesbian relationships in all areas; etc.].
P54 (v8n1)(Jan. 17, 1990): 10 (48cm.)
Lifetime commitments [Toronto's Metropolitan Community Church site of mass "rite of blessing" for gay and lesbian couples on February 16; this year 137 couples made lifetime commitment; ceremony is held on Sunday closest to Valentine's Day].
P71 (v10n2)(March 18, 1992): 18-19 (20cm.)
Spousal rights victory [Ontario Human Rights Tribunal ruled August 31/92 that gay and lesbian partnerships must be given same rights as conjugal heterosexual relationships; Ontario's human rights legislation in 1986 had banned discrimination on basis of sexual orientation, but defined "marital status" in way to exclude gays/lesbians; Michael Leshner launched battle for full spousal benefits four years ago; etc.].
P75 (v10n6)(Sept. 16, 1992): 21 (32cm.)
Leshner won't be appealed [Ontario government has decided not to appeal Ontario Human Rights Commission ruling in Michael Leshner case that gay/lesbian couples must be granted same rights available to non-gay couples; some background information regarding decision not to appeal is given].
P76 (v10n7)(Oct. 28, 1992): 14 (32cm.)
, and see also P77 (v10n8)(Dec. 9/92): 20 (23cm.) for additional newsnote, "Weird and Twisted," concerning Ontario Attorney-General's decision that Leshner decision applies only to government employees.
Spousal rights coming in Ontario? [recently-elected Ontario legislative member, Liberal Tim Murphy, representing St. George-St. David riding (which includes Toronto's "gay ghetto") has promised to introduce private member's bill re pension and property rights for gays/lesbians; in by-election Murphy, who is identified as heterosexual, defeated two openly-gay candidates, Conservative Nancy Jackman and NDP candidate George Lamony].
P81 (v11n4)(June 9, 1993): 21 (22cm.)
Treat us equally [Ontario Law Reform Commission released report November 17, 1993 recommending that gay and lesbian couples be treated same as legally married couples; report says family law should recognize and accommodate increasing diversity of family forms].
P85 (v11n8)(Dec. 8, 1993): 22 (20cm.)
Queers on TV [Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario (CLGRO) has produced three TV ads as part of campaign to gain spousal rights for lesbian/gay couples in the province; so far ads have not run; some reactions given].
P85 (v11n8)(Dec. 8, 1993): 21 (14cm.)
Lesbian litigation [M v. H legal case; M sues partner for spousal support payments; details and background information].
P88 (v12n3)(April 27, 1994): 23 (29cm.)
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.)
Decision overturned [Ontario Divisional Court overturns ruling of Ontario Human Rights Commission Board of Inquiry that had ruled Ontario Blue Cross must extend benefits to lesbian couple; Elizabeth Clinton case; partner: Laurie Anne Mercer; Commission considering an appeal].
P89 (v12n4)(June 8, 1994): 22 (15cm.)
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.)
M versus H [case launched that challenges definition of spouse in Ontario's Family Law Act; M claims entitlement to spousal support from H after relationship breakdown; many details].
P100 (v13n7)(Oct. 25, 1995): 20 (35cm.)
Rewriting the law [report on ruling by Ontario Court, General Division, that gay/lesbian couples can sue for palimony; M v. H case; details].
P103 (v14n2)(March 13, 1996): 23 (43cm.)
Same rules don't apply [issues in the M v. H legal case concerning two Ontario lesbians and support payment; case is at appeal stage].
P107 (v14n6)(Sept. 11, 1996): 20 (19cm.)
Victory in Ontario [Ontario Court of Appeal "has ruled that same-sex couples must be treated the same as opposite-sex couples under family law"; this is a news article on the M v. H legal case decision].
P110 (v15n1)(Jan. 29, 1997): 23 (35cm.)
Widow fights for equality [in Ontario; Kelly Kane not eligible for same compensation as heterosexuals; partner of six years, Robin Black, killed in 1993 by truck; Kane taking Ontario government to court; additional details].
P111 (v15n2)(March 12, 1997): 24 (39cm.)
Lesbian couple wins battle for insemination [Lise Lague and Pam Lengyel win battle against Ottawa Civic Hospital in Ontario Human Rights Commission complaint].
P112 (v15n3)(April 23, 1997): 25 (13cm.)
Ontario urged to rewrite laws [by Ontario Human Rights Commission; chief commissioner Keith Norton says the statutes must be amended to recognize same-sex couples; review found 64 Ontario laws describing couples as two people of opposite sex; no date for government action].
P114 (v15n5)(July 30, 1997): 24 (12cm.)
Spousal benefits [federal government forced to grant same benefits to same-sex spouses; also, in Ontario, victory of Kelly Kane against Axa Insurance regarding death benefit for partner, Robin Black -- the provincial Insurance Act must, as a result, change].
P116 (v15n7)(Oct. 22, 1997): 27 (37cm.)
Death benefits awarded [in October 2 ruling by Ontario Court of Justice; Kelly Kane sought benefit after death of her lesbian partner [Robin Black]; etc.].
P117 (v15n8)(Dec. 3, 1997): 26 (12cm.)
Palimony dispute settled [newsnote, which mentions also that Ontario government has launched an appeal to Supreme Court; regarding M v. H case].
P119 (v16n2)(March 18, 1998): 24 (13cm.)
Abuse victim resources [brief report on Ottawa's Partner Assault Team (PAST); mention of special concerns of lesbians and gays].
P120 (v16n3)(April 29, 1998): 28 (26cm.)
Historic decision [Supreme Court of Canada ruled on May 20, 1999 in the M v. H case regarding rights of gay/lesbian couples; gave Ontario six months to amend its legislation to conform to ruling; other details].
P129 (v17n4)(June 2, 1999): 26 (50cm.)
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.)
Back in the courts [Ontario woman known as M (from M v. H legal case) "going back to court to challenge recent amendments made by the Ontario government to family law legislation"; 67 provincial statutes amended, but created separate category for same-sex couples, not given status of spouses; opinion that this is segregation; other details].
P134 (v18n1)(Jan. 26, 2000): 24 (32cm.)
Who rules whose rules? [lengthy report with example cases concerning difficulties, despite the law, that bureaucrats have created in cases of birth registration of children of same-sex lesbian couples, and related adoption matters; Ontario case of Zo Newman and a British Columbia case handled by lawyer Barbara Findlay; details].
P157 (v20n8)(Dec. 4, 2002): 22 (62cm.)
Same-sex divorce a reality ["in what is believed to be the world's first same-sex divorce, a lesbian couple was granted an uncontested divorce just 15 months after they were married following the Ontario Court of Appeal ruling" allowing gay marriage in Ontario; divorce ruling by Superior Court Justice Ruth Mesbur; details].
P172 (v22n7)(Oct. 27, 2004): 29 (14cm.)

LESBIAN COUPLES -- 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.)

LESBIAN COUPLES -- QUÉBEC

Quebec [Quebec Minister of Justice announced that provincial laws will be reviewed regarding common-law couples; intends to make all unions equal to traditional marriage; "changes may not occur until the millennium"; etc.].
P122 (v16n5)(July 29, 1998): 28 (18cm.)

LESBIAN COUPLES -- SASKATCHEWAN

Straight friends [personal comments about gay/straight socializing in Saskatoon, with specific comments on a dinner party experience]. By L. Michael.
P5 (1983): 10-11 (34cm.)
California, here we come [personal account of 5th anniversary celebration trip to San Francisco]. By Barb and Lynne.
P26 [1986]: 11-12 (53cm.)
Will change laws [newsnote that Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow says government will change provincial laws to bring them in line with Supreme Court decision in Ontario case (M v. H) that same-sex couples can collect alimony when relationship fails].
P129 (v17n4)(June 2, 1999): 21 (13cm.)
Changing legislation ["provincial NDP/Liberal coalition government appears to be ready to amend all provincial legislation that addresses spousal issues to recognize same-sex relationships"; details].
P144 (v19n3)(April 25, 2001): 20 (31cm.)
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.)
Bucking the tide [about two lesbians who "are in the middle of both debates" -- same-sex marriage and "evils of homosexuality"; Sally Boyle and Lynn Elliott are together in a "committed relationship" and are both United Church ministers in rural Saskatchewan, at Melfort United Church; "popular mythology...says that rural people are less accepting of queers..."; both Boyle and Elliott feel welcomed and accepted; details].
P164 (v21n7)(Oct. 22, 2003): 12-13 (22cm.)
Lesbian abuse project funded [Gay and Lesbian Health Services receives $90,000 for "three-year project to work on issues related to abuse in lesbian relationships"; will follow up on study in 2001 and 2002; details].
P169 (v22n4)(June 2, 2004): 11 (26cm.)

LESBIAN COUPLES -- UNITED STATES

Ruling in favour of same-sex couples [in Vermont (USA) State Supreme Court on December 20, 1999; details].
P135 (v18n2)(March 8, 2000): 26 (37cm.)
Ellen and Anne show cancelled [considerable detail regarding relationship of Ellen DeGeneres and Anne Heche; in August, DeGeneres announced they had broken up].
P139 (v18n6)(Sept. 13, 2000): 22 (41cm.)
One step forward, two steps back [in United States; report concerning decision by Salvation Army at national level to offer benefits only to "spouses and children," overruling Western Territory decision that would have effectively included same-sex partners; details].
P150 (v20n1)(Jan. 30, 2002): 29 (33cm.)
Montana rallies to lesbian family [Missoula, Montana (USA) report of attempt by University of Montana professor to get same-sex benefits for all gay/lesbian faculty; challenge mounted, with second couple, under state's non-discrimination policy; the second couple's house set on fire; many have supported couple who lost everything in fire; other details].
P151 (v20n2)(March 13, 2002): 26-27 (36cm.)
If you help make it, you have to help it grow [Delaware (USA) case in which lesbian ex-partner to pay child support, even though state does not recognize same-sex couples; "three similar decisions in Pennsylvania and a similar case is being tried in California"; other details].
P152 (v20n3)(April 24, 2002): 28 (18cm.)