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Same-sex marriage in Quebec

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Same-sex marriage has been legal in Quebec since March 19, 2004 in accordance with a ruling from the Quebec Court of Appeal that the heterosexual definition of marriage violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Quebec was the third Canadian province after Ontario and British Columbia and the fifth jurisdiction in the world to open marriage to same-sex couples.

Court ruling

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In 2000, Michael Hendricks and René Leboeuf applied for a marriage licence, but were turned down by a clerk who read out the sections of provincial law that defined marriage as being between "a man and a woman". After the rejection, they filed suit against the Government of Quebec, alleging that its refusal to perform and recognise same-sex marriage violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Charte canadienne des droits et libertés).[a] Two conservative organisations, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and the Catholic Civil Rights League, were granted intervenor status in the case, Hendricks and Leboeuf v. Quebec. The lawsuit was heard in the Quebec Superior Court on 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 November 2001. The provincial and federal governments had initially opposed the court bid; provincial Attorney General Paul Bégin argued that "gays and lesbians were not suffering any form of discrimination in [Quebec]", while federal Attorney General Anne McLellan argued that the definition of marriage was at the Parliament of Canada's discretion and not a matter for the courts to decide.[4] A lawyer representing the conservative religious groups argued that if the court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage "[h]is heterosexual clients would no longer be able to marry. That is because, to them, marriage is a heterosexual institution." Daniel Cere, a Catholic professor at McGill University, who filed an affidavit for the court, said that same-sex marriage "would fracture the basis of shared religious and civil peace in the province". Rabbi David Novak also filed an affidavit for the court, stating that same-sex marriage would "create a schism between Jews and the rest of society", and said that Judaism "expect[ed] them [gay people] to remain celibate for life". Other affidavits from religious groups included one from an anonymous Muslim imam, stating that same-sex marriage "would invalidate Muslim beliefs, preventing Muslims from full participation in Canadian society", while one from a conservative Protestant professor at Regent College said that same-sex marriage "would drive a stake into the heart of Protestant beliefs".[4]

Attorney Noël Saint-Pierre argued that denying marriage rights to same-sex couples constituted unfair discrimination as they were unable to access many legal benefits often taken for granted by married opposite-sex couples, such as alimony, immigration rights, child support, hospital visitation rights, and protection from domestic violence, among others. Saint-Pierre also refuted the religious groups' claims, citing the Netherlands, where same-sex marriage has been legal since 2001: "The fears of the religious conservatives did not materialize. Christians did not stop marrying. Jews did not flee the country."[4] Judge Louise Lemelin ruled in the couple's favour on September 6, 2002. The court gave the federal government two years in which to modify federal law to allow gays and lesbians to marry. A lawyer representing the plaintiff couple told the Montreal Gazette:

What makes the Quebec victory important for all of Canada is that [Judge Lemelin] had the chance to look at a civil-union law and to comment herself as to whether that would be enough of a solution for gay and lesbian couples. But Judge Lemelin said in very strong terms that a civil union, as wonderful as it is because of all the economic rights that it gives, is still not marriage.

The federal government filed an appeal of the decision of the Superior Court on September 9, 2002, but abandoned that appeal in 2003, the year same-sex marriage was legalized in Ontario and British Columbia. The case continued, with the group of religious conservatives opposing the plaintiffs' claims. The group argued that the legalisation of same-sex marriage was unconstitutional under the Constitution Act, 1867, would prevent heterosexual couples from marrying and would "weaken the meaning of marriage". On March 19, 2004, the Quebec Court of Appeal ruled similarly to the Ontario and British Columbia courts, upholding Hendricks and Leboeuf in a unanimous 5–0 vote, and ordering that it take effect immediately.[4] Hendricks and Leboeuf immediately sought a marriage licence; the usual 20-day waiting period was waived, and they were wed on April 1 at the Palais de justice in Montreal. Hendricks said, "The floodgates seem to be open and it looks like Canada is going to become the first North American country that has equal marriage... This is wonderful."[5] Following the court decision, provincial Attorney General Marc Bellemare announced that the government would abide by the ruling.[4] The Quebec decision meant that more than two-thirds of the Canadian population were living in provinces where same-sex marriage is legal.[6] Subsequent cases, as well as federal legislation, have expanded this number to cover the entire country.

Provincial legislation

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Civil unions

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In 2002, the National Assembly of Quebec unanimously passed a bill legalising civil unions for both same-sex and opposite-sex partners, offering many of the same rights, benefits and responsibilities as marriage,[7] including the right to adopt children jointly. Civil unions are performed by court clerks, notaries, mayors, members of municipal councils or borough councils, municipal officials or authorised religious officiants. Once the document is signed by both partners and the witnesses, the union is formally registered with the Director of Civil Status. Quebec civil unions are not recognised in other parts of Canada or other countries.

Marriage

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In November 2004, the National Assembly enacted An Act to amend the Civil Code as regards marriage (French: Loi modifiant le Code civil relativement au mariage), amending the Civil Code of Quebec to replace references to "husband and wife" with "spouses" and permit civil unions to be converted to marriages.[8] Quebec became the first province in Canada to bring its laws in line with the legalisation of same-sex marriage and add a gender-neutral definition of spouse in its marriage laws.

Marriage and civil union statistics

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From 2004 to 2023, 11,087 same-sex marriages were performed in Quebec, representing about 2.5% of all marriages contracted during that time.[9][10] There were also 1,282 same-sex civil unions performed during this same time period, representing about 20% of all civil unions.

Between 2004 and 2008, 17% of same-sex marriages were between couples from other provinces or territories, or from the United States.[11] The following table shows the number of marriages and civil unions performed in Quebec as per data published by the Institut de la statistique du Québec. Figures for 2020 and 2021 are lower than previous years because of the restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marriages and civil unions in Quebec[9]
Year Same-sex marriages Total marriages % same-sex Same-sex civil unions Total unions % same-sex
Female Male Total Female Male Total
2002 - - - - - 69 87 156 166 94.0%
2003 - - - - - 134 140 274 342 80.1%
2004 97 148 245 21,279 1.15% 31 48 79 179 44.1%
2005 173 278 451 22,244 2.03% 24 35 59 172 34.3%
2006 272 349 621 21,956 2.83% 19 34 53 216 24.5%
2007 216 251 467 22,147 2.11% 17 26 43 241 17.8%
2008 186 262 448 22,053 2.03% 25 44 69 270 25.6%
2009 222 291 513 22,588 2.27% 26 28 54 239 22.6%
2010 234 281 515 23,199 2.22% 19 36 55 280 19.6%
2011 256 237 493 22,903 2.15% 27 32 59 240 24.6%
2012 259 255 514 23,504 2.19% 26 33 59 288 20.5%
2013 306 286 592 23,181 2.55% 23 27 50 290 17.2%
2014 291 286 577 22,429 2.57% 20 17 37 240 15.4%
2015 285 315 600 22,441 2.67% 15 22 37 228 16.2%
2016 317 343 660 21,958 3.01% 13 13 26 223 11.7%
2017 336 343 679 22,883 2.97% 17 22 39 219 17.8%
2018 385 323 708 22,841 3.10% 18 17 35 237 14.8%
2019 365 317 682 22,284 3.06% 13 20 33 207 16.4%
2020 192 206 398 11,326 3.51% 7 12 19 119 16.0%
2021 245 245 490 14,708 3.33% 5 8 13 117 11.1%
2022 371 331 704 22,908 3.07% 8 11 19 122 15.6%
2023 375 355 730 26,688 3.22% 6 8 14 108 13.0%

Religious performance

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Several dioceses of the Anglican Church of Canada allow their clergy to bless and perform same-sex marriages. In 2008, the synod of the Diocese of Montreal voted to allow its parishes to bless same-sex unions. The measure includes a freedom of conscience clause for clergy opposed to blessing same-sex unions.[12] In July 2016, Bishop Mary Irwin-Gibson said she would allow her clergy to perform same-sex marriages.[13] The Diocese of Ottawa, which encompasses parts of western Quebec, including the Outaouais region, has also allowed solemnisations of same-sex marriages since 2016.[14] The Diocese of Quebec has allowed blessings of same-sex unions since 2012.[15] Bishop Bruce Myers expressed disappointment in July 2019 when the Anglican Church of Canada narrowly rejected a motion to approve same-sex marriage. On 24 November 2019, the synod of the Diocese of Quebec voted 37–6 to request Bishop Myers to authorise the solemnisation of same-sex marriages.[16] In response to the request, Myers said, "You'll here more from me, because… what this motion also expects is that I will come back to the diocese with some specifics around how such a request would be implemented, and being clear about things like safeguards for those who do not wish to exercise and offer this ministry."[17] On the other hand, same-sex marriages are not performed in the Diocese of Moosonee, which encompasses the northwestern Eeyou Istchee communities. The marriage canon of the Anglican Church of Canada serves as the canon on marriage in the diocese.[18] Similarly, the Diocese of The Arctic, encompassing the northern Nunavik region, does not allow its parishes to perform same-sex marriages.[19]

Some other religious organisations also perform same-sex marriages in their places of worship, including the United Church of Canada,[20] Quakers,[21] the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada,[22] and the Canadian Unitarian Council.[23]

Public opinion

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A 2017 CROP poll showed that Quebec had the highest popular support for same-sex marriage in Canada, at 80%. Nationwide, 74% of Canadians found it "great that in Canada, two people of the same sex can get married", while 26% disagreed.[24][25]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ In some of Quebec's indigenous languages:
    • Cree: ᑳᓈᑖ ᑲᔅᒋᐦᐆᓐᐦ ᑲᔦᐦ ᑲᔦᐦ ᐃᐦᑑᑕᒧᐧᐃᓐᐦ ᐁᑳ ᒉ ᒌ ᐃᒉᓇᐦᑲᓅᑦ ᐊᐧᐁᓐ,[1] Kānātā kaschihūnh kayeh kayeh ihtūtamuwinh ekā che chī ichenahkanūt awen
    • Inuktitut: ᑲᓇᑕᒥᐅᑦ ᐱᔪᖕᓇᕐᓂᖏᑦ ᐃᓱᒪᖅᓱᕈᖕᓇᕐᓂᖏᓪᓗ, Kanatamiut Pijuŋnarniŋit Isumaqsuruŋnarniŋillu,[2]
    • Mohawk: Aoianerénhsera ne Iakoianerenhserá꞉ien tánon Aiontatewenní꞉iohake,[3] pronounced [ao.janɛˈrʌ̃́hsɛra jago.janɛrʌ̃hsɛˈrǎːjʌ̃ ˈdánũ a.jũdadɛwʌ̃ˈnǐːjohagɛ]

References

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  1. ^ "ᐁ ᐋᐸᒋᐦᑖᑲᓅᒡ ᐁᑎ ᐃᑎᔅᑳᓀᓯᒥᑯᒡ ᐊᔨᒧᐧᐃᓐ ᐁ ᐅᐦᒋ ᓂᔥᑐᐧᐄᔥᑕᑲᓅᒡ ᒉᐧᑳᓐ ᐊᓂᑌᐦ ᒋᔐᐅᒋᒫᐅᐧᐋᔅᑳᐦᐄᑲᓐ ᑲᔦᐦ ᐊᓂᒌ ᑳ ᒫᒨᐱᔥᑕᐧᑳᐤᐦ". ourcommons.ca (in Cree). Archived from the original on 13 October 2021.
  2. ^ "ᐊᑐᒐᐅᓂᖏᑦ ᓄᓇᖃᖅᖃᖅᓯᒪᔪᑦ ᐅᖃᐅᓯᖏᑕ ᑲᑎᒪᓂᖏᓐᓂ ᑲᓇᑕᐅᑉ ᑲᑎᒪᔨᕐᔪᐊᖏᑕ ᑲᑎᒪᔨᐊᓚᖏᓐᓂᓗ". ourcommons.ca (in Inuktitut). Archived from the original on 13 October 2021.
  3. ^ "Tiohtià:ke Aoianerénhsera ne Iakoianerenhserá:wis tánon Iakoterihwaíen:nis" (PDF). ville.montreal.qc.ca (in Mohawk). Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 May 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Same-sex marriage in Quebec, Canada". Religious Tolerance.
  5. ^ "Mariage homosexuel au Québec - Mais oui, il y a eu un débat!". LeDevoir (in French). 24 January 2013.
  6. ^ "Dévoilement d'un jugement permettant le mariage entre conjoints de même sexe". bilan.usherbrooke.ca (in French). 20 March 2004.
  7. ^ "Bill n°84 : An Act instituting civil unions and establishing new rules of filiation". National Assembly of Quebec. Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  8. ^ "Bill n°59 : An Act to amend the Civil Code as regards marriage". National Assembly of Quebec. Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  9. ^ a b "Mariages et unions civiles selon le sexe des conjoints, Québec, 2002-2022". Institut de la statistique du Québec (in French). Archived from the original on 16 April 2024.
  10. ^ Lavigne, Caroline (11 September 2024). "Moins de mariages religieux, mais un peu plus de mariages entre personnes de même sexe". Fuges (in French).
  11. ^ Asselin, Pierre (3 June 2009). "Le Québec, destination mariage pour couples de même sexe" (in French).
  12. ^ Leclerc, Jean-Claude (3 November 2008). "Les mariages gais - Les anglicans de Montréal optent pour la liberté de choix". Le Devoir (in French).
  13. ^ Laframboise, Kalina (12 July 2016). "Same-sex marriage in Montreal's Anglican church will go ahead despite vote, bishop says". CBC News.
  14. ^ "Bishop John's letter in response to General Synod's vote to amend Marriage Canon XXI". Retrieved 2016-07-12.
  15. ^ "Synode général, réalisations et mariage". Anglican Diocese of Quebec (in French).
  16. ^ "Information for delegates to the 85th (Ordinary) Session of the Synod of the Diocese of Quebec". Anglican Diocese of Quebec.
  17. ^ Townsend, Matthew (December 2019). "Primate brings to Synod open discussion of change, challenges ahead for church" (PDF). Quebec Diocesan Gazette.
  18. ^ "Canons of the Diocese of Moosonee" (PDF). Anglican Diocese of Moosonee. May 13, 2021.
  19. ^ "At national gathering, Arctic Anglicans say no to same-sex marriage". Nunatsiaq News. 22 July 2019.
  20. ^ "Beliefs: Overview of Beliefs". The United Church of Canada. May 25, 2009. Archived from the original on January 30, 2016. Retrieved March 11, 2010.
  21. ^ "Submission to the Legislative Committee on Bill C-38 (CC38)" (PDF). Canadian Friends Service Committee (Quakers). April 10, 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 22, 2007. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  22. ^ "Evangelical Lutherans back same-sex marriage". www.winnipegfreepress.com. 23 July 2011. Archived from the original on 2016-04-28. Retrieved 2016-04-23.
  23. ^ "Welcoming Congregation Program" (PDF). Canadian Unitarian Council. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  24. ^ I find it great that in our society, two people of the same sex can get married, CROP Panorama
  25. ^ Are you in favour of same-sex marriage? 74% of Canadians and 80% of Quebecers support it (and Death in Venice by Benjamin Britten)
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