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.)