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Canada's changing family

BRODIE FENLON AND SIRI AGRELL

Globe and Mail Update and Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 8:49 AM EDT 12/09/07

Latest census figures show significant increase in same-sex couples, single-parent households ...Read the full article

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  1. Expert Eel from Canada writes: Harper did say that we wouldn't recognize Canada when he was done with it.
  2. F/A josquin from van, Canada writes: Oh Steve, relax would you.

    Time to live your own life---we all die in the end and it really doesn't matter who marries who, as long as they are somewhat content, and don't hurt others. A state very difficult to achieve with busy bodies like you fussing about.

    Honestly, there are bigger fish to fry in this sad world.
  3. talk Courts, Science , Senate, Press, Protesters, East Coasters , Election Canada . What pleases him from Canada writes: Tracking the free vote on same-sex marriage
    This site has tracked support for same-sex marriage in Canada's House of Commons since the summer of 2003. On December 7th, 2006, the House of Commons voted 175-123 to reject Stephen Harper's discriminatory definition of marriage. Harper himself has said he will respect the decision made by Parliament and doesn't see this issue being re-opened in the future

    Stephen Harper and the Conservative government
    Most MPs in Harper's Conservative government remain committed to repealing bill C-38, the bill that made equal marriage for gays and lesbians available across the country. Fortunately, Harper has failed to repeal C-38, and his future prospects look equally dim.

    Mr. Dion : Could we have a free vote on Afghanistan ? Is our young people being sacrificed in Afghanistan as important as the sexual habits of less than 50,000 non male/female lovers ? Does 53% of Canadians wishes equal 50,000 / 35,000,000 ?
  4. F/A josquin from van, Canada writes: It is so tiring responding to the rabid, the religious and the just plain frightened on this subject. Have your tirades you little worms. The zietgeist has moved on and left you in the mud, no matter how much you squirm and whine.

    In other words, doesn't matter what you 'holier than thou's' have to say anymore.
  5. Marie White from Canada writes: '...and who, only four years ago, were among just a handful of same-sex couples in the entire country.'

    ???? Is this really what the G&M meant to say? 'Cause four years ago there were many thousands of same-sex couples. They just didn't have governmental recognition.
  6. Anthony B from Sydney, NS, Canada writes: 'Mr. Stark said the early results are encouraging for he and his husband'

    Does this make Mr. Stark a 'wife' or has the definition of 'marriage' been hijacked by those who reject traditional relationships but don't mind using their ceremonies.

    I have no problem with those who want a same-sex union but please find your own term for it.
  7. Philosopher King from Ottawa, Canada writes: It's funny how people try to hide and justify their hatred behind masks of tradition. It's even funnier that the following definitions of marriage are acceptable to these people, but not those most similar to their preferred meaning.

    Marriage
    > Any close or intimate association or union: the marriage of words and music in a hit song.
    > A formal agreement between two companies or enterprises to combine operations, resources, etc., for mutual benefit; merger.
    > A blending or matching of different elements or components: The new lipstick is a beautiful marriage of fragrance and texture.
    > Cards. A meld of the king and queen of a suit, as in pinochle. Compare royal marriage.
    > a piece of antique furniture assembled from components of two or more authentic pieces.
  8. Lee Turner from Regent Park, Canada writes: Steve C, you don't speak for me, and furthermore, what are you afraid of?

    Harry, what the hell are you talking about? Procreation had obviously existed before the institution of marriage was even created. So something tells me, children will still be born outside the definition of family as one man one woman kids. And why single out Muslims as the only people who immigrate here, and assume immigrants don't work?

    Anyway, there is no single definition of 'family'. I've lived with both parents, one parent, one parent grandparents, grandmother Aunt, my sister, and now my wife, with no kids. Never, ever did I consider myself not living within a family.
  9. D G from Canada writes: why Green Jerry?? Cause they look happier than you obviously?
  10. george carlin from United States writes: Recently, I've noticed a significant decline in the quality of the pun in Your Morning Smile. Sometimes it isn't even a pun for heaven sake. Only that Lloyd guy from Newfoundland seems to come up with anything worth passing along. Something must be done about this.
  11. talk Courts, Science , Senate, Press, Protesters, East Coasters , Election Canada . What pleases him from Canada writes: Could Afghanistan have a free vote by Afghani women on any Taliban requirements for their subservence ? In 1930 (?) we allowed our women the vote . In 2006 we voted for Gay marriage . We are light years ahead of the Taliban ? Military governments are not a democracy ?
  12. Paul C from Toronto, Canada writes: Sounds like there are a lot of Larry Craig imitators on this message board.

    Please explain to me how something 2 people do (like get married), whom you will likely never meet, has any impact on you whatsoever?

    Gay marriage legalized in Canada and the sky did not fall?? Shocking. If gay marriage threatens your relationship - you better re-examine your own situation.

    Lets stop debating whether all Canadians deserve equal rights and move on to more important discussions (health care, foreign policy, etc.). In a democracy was have something called minority rights - but I guess democracy these days seems to be in retreat.

    That about covers it.
  13. Adam Wightman from Canada writes: Well, I think that homoxexuals if they want should be allowed to marry. Gays will be gay, as they have always been existant throughout history, and heterosexuals will be heterosexual, as they have always been. Gay marriages will not either increase their numbers, nor do anything to offset the existing society; their numbers will not be extremly large and they will continue to be marginal. So, whats the big deal, all this caffufle about such a meaningless topic, who cares, whats the big deal. Let them marry, and lets focus on more important issues, maybe like how our prime ministers can focus on something which actually will be important to Canada 20 years down the road - like how we can save our economy from being completely sucked into the American economy; although it is has nearly almost been done. Such petty issues, and no one being concerned with the one which will render Canadian governmental sovereignity impotent to the plutocratic rule of the new corpocracy which has been invading Canada rapidly since the NAFTA. It's about time that our Prime Ministers will focus on such important issues such as Canadian sovereignity, rather than gay marriage. I think its more important that we ensure our grandchildren have a country which they can say they actually have democratic power to determine the outcome- rather then some empty shell whose democratic power lies only in some imagined realm of what democracy means- than is that we stop gays from having families, which I myself don't think would be a problem. Anyways, I wish that Canadians would stop being so futile.
  14. D L from Canada writes: WOW! - It appears that homophobia is still alive and well in Canada. Grow up and get over it. I don't see what the difference is when a kid grows up with 2 mums, 2 dads or 1 of each - as long as the child is loved, treated with respect, and compassion and has all of the necessities of life.
  15. Buddy Canada from Toronto, Canada writes: Expert - There is everything wrong with same sex couples having children. They should never be allowed to adopt. When you decide to be gay you choose to forgo making babies. The medical community should stop playing God with all of these turkey basting procedures.
  16. Rob Misek from Canada writes: Until homosexuals can reproduce to the exclusion of all others, they as a group, are incapable of creating a family.

    They are either genetic dead enders, losers in evolution, or hypocrites who change their sexually promiscuous behavior as it suits them.

    Homosexuality is not equal to heterosexuality. Promiscuity is not equal to monogamy. The Charter is wrong.

    Anyone who suggests otherwise is lying. Lie to me, my friends or family and we are in conflict.

    This conflict rooted in lies will only be resolved by the truth.
  17. Paul F. from Toronto, Canada writes: Let's see. On the one hand, Green Jerry believes that the government doesn't belong in the bedrooms of the country. On the other, he can't make a comment about gay people without bringing pedophilia into the sentence, or make some vulgar comment about his own allegedly heterosexual desires.

    My favourite defence mechanism is 'reaction formation,' and there isn't a better case study of it than Larry Craig, the U.S. senator from Idaho who this summer was caught trolling for anonymous sex in a men's washroom.

    The term 'reaction-formation' is cumbersome, but the idea is simple. When you have distasteful urges, you overcompensate by publicly demonstrating the opposite feelings or behaviours.

    A teenage girl despises one of her popular classmates, but instead of wringing her rival's neck she is excessively friendly and sycophantic. A cheapskate who when alone stiffs the waitress will overtip in the company of others.

    I am not saying the Green Jerry is a teenaged girl or a cheapskate, but you get the idea.

    Anyway, I am happy the Census Canada report shows Canada is becoming a more tolerant society, GJ comments notwithstanding.
  18. Nobel Laureate from Canada writes: Kids in my classes wonder why we even think this is an issue. Gay, straight, bi ... it's not even an issue for university students today. Yes, there still exist many backwards individuals in Canada, spurred on by xenophobic institutions like the church. But thankfully, as you hateful people die out, so too will your hateful propaganda. Its called human social progress.
  19. CD W from orillia, Canada writes: this is the solution to child poverty, the intact family. Missing fathers , parents refusing to work more than 800 hours per year, fix these two things, and you relieve poverty for 70% of the folks who are considered poor. And the huge upside for the same sex marriage types, they do not use abortion for birth control. If they want a child, they nuture that child and not roll the whacko mother dice on whether or not you make it out of the birth canal alive. They tend not to fall into the impoverished family groupings either. These folks when you consider these things, may end up more traditional than single mother types raging at the machine and wanting it all with a father around. Strange the unintended social and cultural consequences of extending rights, but not obligations.
  20. Philosopher King from Ottawa, Canada writes: So while the so-called moralists scare themselves and others with fabrications and hyperbole based on big bad sky-daddy, the rest of us have moved on to more important things than judging people who wish to demonstrate love and fidelity.

    I mean really.
  21. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: I wonder. Perhaps those 'family values' men would prefer that homosexuality was back in the closet. It's likely more exciting when those men on the down-low living a double life go back to their traditional families, go to church and vote Con. More exciting to laugh in their sleeves at how clever they are at fooling society. All the fun has been taken out of it now that Canadians can report how they actually live and what they actually do.
  22. al goguen from Victoria, B.C, Canada writes: Happiness is the key. If two persons decide to share their lives together because they love, care for each other what is wrong with that. They don't have to be straight, gay, rich or poor, simply able to make a commitment and forget what all the churches have been telling you for years. There are straight couples who have children and they should not. They don't have what it takes to nurture children. On the other hand, your have same-sex union who can help children to grow. So let's encourage those who can help children becoming real humans and forget sexual orientations.
    Do you want to see children being born to straight women who do not have what it takes to be good parents? Simply take the public transports and see these overweight mothers with two or three kids in tow and just listen to the mother trying to show she is a goof mother. Sit down. Don't talk. Don;t look out of the window. Don't move. I told you not to open your mouth. and on and on ---all negatives thinking it;s the correct way. Poor mother, she needs more help than the children .
  23. Paul F. from Canada writes: This country has no long term future - toying with the wrath of God.
  24. Catherine H. from Canada writes: To the high and mighty people who continue to stick steadfast to their intolerances-so revealing! Your judgements of gay and lesbian marriage is quite telling. While many, (but not all) will stand behind a veil of religious justification to denounce the rights of gay and lesbian marriage, it would be much better for Canadian society if you took care of your own issues of fear and intolerance. Of course in order to do so, you would actually have to look inside yourself long enough to understand your own motivations.

    Good luck with that! It might be a lot easier to just apply for American citizenship.
  25. Ferris Bueller from Canada writes: It is a sign of our increasing national affluence for two people who are raising their children to be able to afford to live in two different dwellings. It's each pair of parents choice to spend their resources whatever way they want, but that results in a lot less money to spend on things like the kids education and things like that - but hey - it's all about choices, isn't it!
    Whatever works.
  26. H P from Toronto, Canada writes: I could care less who marries who so long as we don't allow minors to marry. At the end of the day, there are far more significant issues plaguing society that we as a nation should focus on.
    Put it in perspective people....we are not going to suffer some cultural/moral meltdown cause two dudes committed to each other in a marriage ceremony. If two people love each other enough that they decide to make a commitment to one another, I fail to see the negative.
    Besides, get used to it. It is far more socially acceptable today for a teenager to come out of the closet than it was 20, 30 or 40 years ago. I don't doubt that you will see more and more same sex couples getting married. Deal!
  27. Toby Maloney from Winnipeg, Canada writes: The people worried about a collapse in society related to the easing of oppression of homosexuality might better look to some other indicators of social dysfunction. To me it looks like large numbers are opting out of society, tuning out the people and the place and wondering. For instance, let's worry about: The number of people who drive between home and work and don't talk to anyone they don't already know, with the possible exception of a Tim Horton's worker (via a speaker box). The number of people who live in houses attached to the back of large garages which now occupy the space formerly used for porches and yards where neighbours would greeted one another. The time spent wired into cell phones, CD/MP3/Ipods/Blackberry's, even while moving about the community. Time spent driving, especially for short trips that could be easily replaced by walking, cycling or transit. Hours spent watching crime and violence on television, including American murder news. The general lack of courtesy or consideration for others that results from all the plugged in, tuned out, insular public behaviour. We have diversity all around us -- food, music, race, age, art and nature -- but how many are partaking of it, and how many are afraid of it? And how many are lonely?
  28. Jake The Snake from Canada writes: Philosopher King from Ottawa

    Great post. Hit the nail right on the head. Too many people try to hide their knuckle dragging views behind the 'I just oppose them using the word marriage' baloney. It's nothing more than a soft biggotry approach.

    If marriage were an exclusively trademarked word with all rights belonging to the church where is all the whinning about opposite sex couples getting married at a Justice of the Peace in a civil ceremony who are allowed by law to state their status as married?
  29. Robert P from Canada writes: Rob Misek. You just made my friend cried. She and her husband have been trying to have kids for years now. Thanks for letting her know that everyong doesn't see her marriage as equal to that of her other married friends with children and that she is just a marginal member of society. For that is the truth.
  30. rev. lynn from Canada writes: Last night I married a good wine with a wonderful cheese, but I haven't yet married my partner. I'm one of those people who thinks there should be civil unions for all. Relegate marriage to the church, like a baptism or a bris - with no legal recognition whatsoever in the absence of a registered civil union.

    I'd like the legislated benefits, protections and obligationsof marriage -- but I don't like the traditional baggage of ownership and gender roles that comes with it. Why-oh-why can't the state ditch marriage altogether and adopt civil unions for all?

    But in the absence of my preferred option, we just may get married -- especially when we have children -- to obtain some legal recognition of the family unit we'd create and to mark the mindful committment we're making to one another.

    Yes, two well-educated, well-employed women with supportive families and community, joined together in a loving union and raising children together in that environment. I find it amusing to know that many of you are utterly disgusted by the idea. But moreover, I find sad.



  31. Rick La Rose from Ottawa, Canada writes: steve C from Canada, we're a fair and just society. We have, in Canada, a document known as the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. On it is written the civil rights and liberties shared by ALL Canadians. The Charter does not discriminate based on gender, age and race. You need to understand that in Canada, the LAW is above any Religious or moral beliefs.

    Even if a moral belief is shared by a majority, we have a protection set in place that ensures that the majority cannot bully the minorities. It sorta stops things like the reign of terror that occurred Germany when the Nazi party took control.
  32. Lauren Conrad from Canada writes: either way we all need to lighten up and look at each day with a smile.. not look down upon people becuase they don't fit into the category of the standard same sex relationship... you fall in love you fall in love.. other than that nothing else should really matter..
    I mean it's the same for same sex couple as for anyone else.. you are not going to walk around going at it on the streets.. just be sensible.. that goes for everyone in any type of relationship...
    If that can be acheived I'm sure it will be a happier place..
  33. Sher Bear from North of Sensville, Canada writes: I have never met a gay person on welfare. While this has nothing to do with this debate, I'm sure if this article went further and provided these stats ie. education and income levels, maybe, just maybe, the bigots out there would bite their tongues. I'd be more worried about single parent households with all of its potential social issues.
  34. John Arthur from Ontario, Canada writes: Sorry to all the leftist apologists, but gays can and should be allowed all rights and privileges as married couples. BUT, to call them married couples is an affront to the institution, and a mockery of the process. As an earlier poster said, the Charter is wrong, and the politicians have been manipulated into the proverbial corner by a very vocal minority.

    Call it what you will, but don't dare call it marriage!
  35. Jim Mohagan from Toronto, Canada writes:
    Sorry, a mistake in my previous post. When I said 'Sole custody is awarded to the mother in 97% of divorce proceedings', I meant 97% of sole custody decisions are against the father. Many people who divorce don't even have children.
  36. C A from Toronto, Canada writes: 'Buddy Canada from Toronto, Canada writes: Expert - There is everything wrong with same sex couples having children. They should never be allowed to adopt. When you decide to be gay you choose to forgo making babies. The medical community should stop playing God with all of these turkey basting procedures.'

    You ignorant fool.

    Why shouldnt they adopt the children that the straight families cant seem to/dont want to take care of?

    You are one of those oh so homophobic people who would rather see a child bounced around the system from foster home to foster home than in a stable, loving same sex home.

    Disgust. YOu dont care what happens to children, just the 'face' of Canada. Disgust.
  37. F/A josquin from van, Canada writes: Brian-----were it not for the noise they would never be where they are. It's not the noise that bothers you, we all know that.

    Seriously, you don't have to listen. We filter stuff out all day, every day. The noise is there for people who still stick their noses in others lives.

    Melanie Palmer------good post.
  38. Bob ... from Canada writes: I've asked it before and I'll ask it again - why are the anti-gay marriage types and other homophobes always fear-fantasizing about things being shoved in their faces or forced down their throats? Maybe if they got out of their closets more, they'd realize that the world isn't so scary...
  39. Lotus Land from Lotus Land, Canada writes: I am surprised the comment board is still open on this one however I have no doubt it will close soon.
  40. Rob Misek from Canada writes: Robert P,

    Give it a break.

    Do you mean to suggest your friend just now realized that not being able to have children is worse than being able to? Or is her issue that the rest of us already know that? Or that I voiced it?

    At least she is making an attempt, unlike homosexuals. I hope medicine can help her and her husband.

    I don't support the practice of using surrogate mothers either. It is tantamount to promiscuity.

    As one commentor already mentioned, there are many children who already need adoption. Mostly from single mothers.
  41. F/A josquin from van, Canada writes: heh green jerry, who says 'I don't need to see two guys kissing and feeling one another up. That still makes me ill. '

    go ahead and vomit then, who cares how sick you are.

    viewing horrible violence and the like, you know, stuff that really is disgusting, might possibly kill you then. You must have to be very careful out there huh?
  42. rita guigon from saskatoon, Canada writes: I'm a lot more concerned about kids growing up in single parent households than I am about gay marriages. There is little enough love in the world that it troubles me not who is loving whom. Our social fabric is stressed by many factors. One seems to be that people who are not emotionally ready or have the resources to do so, are becoming parents. Society can only step in so far to remedy the problems caused by kids giving birth to kids, and families breaking apart.
  43. Jake The Snake from Canada writes: Rob Misek: your non-arguement has become repetitive and boring and has been debunked millions of time over. But you go ahead and try to hide your hatred behind science you silly little fool.
  44. NikolaTesla -the genius who lit the world from Calgary, Canada writes: Buddy Canada from Toronto - When you decide to be gay? Did you decide to be straight? LOL at you Buddy, who told you that? Come where is the evidence that says people choose their sexuality?

    Green Jerry - get a life, heterosexual men make up the largest percentage of pedophiles out there.
  45. robert F from Toronto, Canada writes: I always get a kick out of conservative thinking against gay and lesbian unions, but full support of unjust wars that kills hundreds of thousands?

    I've always thought it a bizzare mixture, they believe it unethical to be gay or lesbian, but the collateral deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi's etc., is just fine and dandy...god must have wanted them dead right?

    They kvetch about gay couples, but happily just shrug when mentioning the dead in Darfur. Why? Because these people typically only care about themselves and what they like and dislike. It seems some of them have no moral centre, just anger and selfishness.

    If they truly were some sort of follower of 'fill in your religion here' they would be outspoken about all these things, instead, they gripe about just the ones they don't like.

    What's even more telling, they have everything already and are still unhappy.
  46. Nobel Laureate from Canada writes: I met a homosexual the other day and i immediately turned gay. My kids were with me and they too immediately turned gay. Then, we all had a strange craving for to enter into polygamous, pedaphilistic relationships with our relatives. It truely was the strangest thing, but I went home and read my bible and all was fine.
  47. Rick La Rose from Ottawa, Canada writes: John Arthur from Ontario,

    What 'institution'? Do they have a Corporate office? An email address? Marriage is simply a union between two loving individuals wanting to spend the rest of their lives together. It is also to raise children in a loving home. With the amount of abortions and orphaned children, you'd think you'd support a loving home for these children.

    I don't care about a persons sexual preference. I only care in the goodness of a person or person(s). And if you're talking about a religious institution, well Same Sex Marriage does not force religious institutions from marrying gay couples. It just leaves it open to the particular religious institution do perform such a ceremony. In other words you and your religious denomination can still be a biggots ;)

    PS.. this is coming from a straight man btw.
  48. D G from Canada writes: John Melnick - and Typhoid Mary was a heterosexual woman.
  49. robert F from Toronto, Canada writes: CPT America: Actually we can adopt, we haven't' been indoctrinated into a military industrial complex with hyperbole religion sprinkled on top to control the masses.
  50. Guy Olivier from Columbus, Ohio, United States writes: all the nuts come out when there's a story about gays... really, does anyone think they'll go to hell because they loved?
  51. M Horon from Calgary, Canada writes: I believe that children have the best chance of growing up in a healthy manner if they have bonded with both a male and a female parent. I would have to say that there is little debate in this. However, outside of societal issues, if a kid grows up with same sex parents I can not see how it would be more or less harmful than growing up with a single parent. The real tragedy here is the breakdown of the family. This is not the fault of a political party as some have proposed, it is an over all societal issue. People basically do not turn into adults anymore. there was a story in the news in Calgary today that close to 50% of kids live with their parents right through their 20's now. Our culture hase created a generation of Peter Pans.
  52. Rob Misek from Canada writes: Jake,

    You aren't arguing, just lying.

    'Hiding behind science'?

    Statements like that won't replace your missing credibility.

    Is that your standard response to losing?
  53. Melanie Palmer from Toronto, Canada writes: Isn't it revealing that the most hateful, homophobic, hatemongerinmg anti-gay stereotypwes are being flung around with nary ANY apparent censorial 'moderation' on the part of the Globe and Mail.

    Who said: 'If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem' was including the media in their observation.
  54. garlick toast from mill village, Canada writes: r carriere,i'm glad to see that after reading the article you got to the heart of the matter instead of choking on the fluff.child poverty is the real scourge in canada.there must be well over a million kids living in poverty in this richest of nations.was it chretien or martin who promised to end child poverty by the year 2000?dave dodge stokes the overheated economy like a crazed locomotive fireman,while social issues are ignored,except for the promise/threat of tougher legislation to deal with them[are there no workhouses?]in short,corporate welfare yes,social welfare no.if there is a god,this must be the real sin in her eyes.
  55. D G from Canada writes: Ramesh Fernando - while you are totally right about Rob Misek you are completely wrong about gay orgs supporting pedophilia. There is ONE organization that tries to promote it but trust me, the many many others DO NOT.
  56. Philosopher King from Canada writes: So while the so-called moralists scare themselves and others with fabrications and hyperbole based on big bad sky-daddy, the rest of us have moved on to more important things than judging people who wish to demonstrate love and fidelity. I mean really.
  57. Brian Sexsmith from Toronto, Canada writes: Paul C. and Adam Wightman are right on.

    Acknowledging the fact that many Canadians have fought equality rights through the years, (as in women not getting the vote until 1918 and natives denied the vote until the '60's, protection from housing and job descrimination rights for gays in the '80's) I take pride in the fact that, despite their efforts, Canada continues to move forward in this regard - albeit slowly. Equality does not mean 'sort of like' nor does it mean 'practically the same thing' - equality means the same.
  58. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: talk courts... Apparently it is okay for the men of Bountiful B.C. to marry multiple wives, have dozens of children, and all the mothers get $100 Harper bucks for each child under 5. Are those unions 'marriages'? Apparently so.
  59. Snippy Bobkins, M.A., B.S., A.A.S. from BC's lower mainland, Canada writes: The article is more a reflection of editorial bias -- and the bias of the media as a whole than anything else. Look at the data. Same-sex couple represent a whopping six tenths of one percent of families. 0.6%. But look at the emphasis of the article. Hetrosexual married families represent nearly 70% (68.8%). The gay lobby has successfully snookered the media into their manipulated pawn to further advance their agenda. Google 'How America Went Gay' by Dr. Charles W. Socarides, M.D. A 'significan' increase? Sure. If Vancouver had five racoons in 1995 and has eleven in 2005 the racoon population has more than DOUBLED! Goodness. Let the media give emphasis where emphasis is due: to the bedrock 70% who believe in marriage.
  60. Jake The Snake from Canada writes: Rob Misek: I am hardly concerned when a person like you says I have no credibility you silly little fool. You just go ahead and hide your hatred behind science. History if full of people who tried to justify their hatred and crimes behind science, I'm sure you're satisfied to know you keep such good company.
  61. Byron Heppner from Winnipeg, Canada writes: Really, this is a dead issue. The whole issue of same-sex marraige was decided back in 1999 when the Supreme Court read gay rights into the Charter of Rights. I agree with a number of the posters above--why are so few people outraged by the 19% increase in single parent families? I know there are wonderful single parents out there, but on the whole, broken families are one of the strongest predictors of social dysfunction in children, including poverty, crime, and poor educational achievement. Include the fact that something like 80% of all common-law relationships break up within 5 years, and there is your recipe for family structure going down the drain. And don't try to tell me that it's just a new kind of family--talk to the children of divorced parents and see how their parents' dysfunctional relationships have affected their own. The 0.6% of the population in gay marraiges--meh.
  62. Rob Misek from Canada writes: Exactly Brian and homsexuality isn't equal to heterosexuality, no matter how many times you say it.

    Ramesh, I love to break it to you that we are in agreement except for the part where I'm a religious nutbar. LOL .Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
  63. Harper is Da Man? from Canada writes: I love how everyone here is concentrating on the minute gay portion of this article...Must be related to the picture associated with the article
  64. John Silverman from Canada writes: FACT: Majority of Canadians support same-sex marriage.
    FACT: Majority of Canadians have no problems with homosexuals.
    FACT: If you feel 'sick' or want to puke from seeing 2 men, 2 women or a man/woman kissing, you have serious problems and should seek counselling. It is not normal to feel this way.
    FACT: Canada is the best country in the world and the majority likes the direction the country is taking. So stop trying to say we are losing our society because that's not the truth or how we feel. We love Canada, if you have a problem then leave.

    If you really cannot get past your stone-age bigotted views of homosexuals, then at least do us the favour of not posting. It's embaressing. You just make yourself look horrible by spewing this hate-filled nonsense. That and you clearly show how out of touch with reality you are.
  65. Philosopher King from Ottawa, Canada writes: Everytime this topic comes up you get a whole load of yahoos who claim they aren't gay but just can't wait to discuss the topic all day. A topic that doesn't apparently affect them in any manner, and yet they pramble on and on.

    Is there even one logical moral reason to support the anti-gay perspective?

    I've never seen one.

    Come on now folks, for once and for all let's hear one salient reason gays shouldn't marry that stands up to the light of scrutiny.

    Or has big bad sky-daddy scared you all mute?
  66. Stephen Reid from Toronto, Canada writes: For the most part, I never respond to these things because every whackjob seems to have a lot of time to put some comments down.

    Here is the thing - same sex marriage has not brought down the country or society. For everyone that is against same sex marriage, the question is how has it personally affected you? The answer is, 'not at all.' You don't have to go to a gay wedding. You don't have to go to a pride parade. You don't have to watch any shows that have a gay character on it. I honestly think, that everyone that opposes it is overly infatuated with the concept. Get over it.

    We have millions of children that are starving and dying around the world. We have wars that kill many. We have soldiers getting shot at everyday in Afghanistan. Yet, we still have a vocal minority obsessing about how two men or women kiss each other in public. I think there are more pressing problems with the world today than criticizing how two people love each other.

    SR
  67. whatevah D from Canada writes: I say live and let live. As long as people are genuinely good, law-abiding citizens, let them do what they want.

    If you really think gays and lesbians are destroying society, perhaps you should look at how heteros treat marriage these days. Start with Hollywood and go from there.

    Also, in response to all the people that say you need a father on hand to grow up to be a good person, that isn't necessarily true. You need one strong parent who can fulfill both roles. Easy? Hell, no. But it can be done, trust me.
  68. Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: LOL nothing like an article about homosexuality to bring out all the crazies first thing in the morning.

    This is going to be the end of our society as we know it? Are you kidding me? Do you think the 95% of the population that isn't gay is going to convert and stop procreating, just coz? Relax would you? Unemployment is low, the economy is setting records, the books are balanced, the most contentious issues in our elections is who has more truthiness, and you people are freaking out over what happens behind closed doors? Things are going pretty good, try to relax, you'll live longer.
  69. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    garlick toast from mill village,Morning GT

    Totally agree! While caring about Aghan women and children is a noble cause, it will be catastrophic for Canadian society down the road, if we do not take proper care or OUR OWN children and certainly the huge number under the poverty line. As you, I truly believe THAT is the key concern of this article-not the choices people make with their private lives, and some who, one way or the other, claim the higher moral ground.
  70. Emperor Joshua Norton from Toronto, Canada writes: It amazes me that the 'Christian' response to gay marriage is to cite Dawkins/Darwin as a reason why they can't marry or raise children. Geebus must have been one bloodthirsty dude.
  71. talk Courts, Science , Senate, Press, Protesters, East Coasters , Election Canada . What pleases him from Canada writes: Please don't upset the Dukabors again . I hate public nudity !
  72. Paul Smith from Stratford, Canada writes: steve C from Canada
    - we get it steve, your not gay (or maybe you are and this is your way of dealing with it?).
    I'm not gay either, but the difference between us is that I recognize that other peoples sex lives has nothing to do with me whatsoever, just the same as my sex life as nothing to do with you or those two gays over there. You just don't recognize that.
    I am a proud Canadian, I'm not ashamed of gay people, I am ashamed of people like you who are full of intolerance and hatred. People like you are the degradation of Canadian society
  73. J S from Toronto, Canada writes: Marie White: The article says 'only four years ago, were among just a handful of married same-sex couples in the entire country.' If you're going to quote, get it right. You can copy and paste, you know.
  74. R L from Calgary, Canada writes: Where's the social disaster? Legalizing gay marriages was supposed to destroy society and leave us in chaos. I see no such thing.

    What you do in your personal life, is your own business.
  75. Keith who is from Ottawa, Canada writes: The ones who are the most rabidly anti-gay also often turn out to be the ones cruising in public bathrooms. It has been my experience that the chances of someone being a closet homosexual increases with their degree of anti-gay vitriol. Priests and U.S. senators pop into mind. It makes sense, too. If you're not gay, why get so worked up about it? A supposedly 'straight' person, venting their moral outrage, more often than not, is compensating for something. Is that the kind of guy you want your daughter marrying, or coaching your kid's soccer team?
  76. RON M from Canada writes: The opening statistics should have framed the debate on this topic. .6% of the couples are gay. 1/2 of 1/100% of children are in gay families. It is a total non-issue. Who keeps pushing this to the forefront?
    A real change in demography comes in the change in the definition of a child to someone up to the age of 24. When did this happen?
    The next reported statistic is very telling. In a country where the government has complete and unchallenged authority to rule with only 40% of the popular vote and 25% of the eligible voters, 70% of couples have chosen marriage. It looks to me like marriage is alive and well and still a cornerstone of Canadian society.
    I think the single parent family issue is the only reported stat worthy of any discussion from this article.
  77. John Silverman from Canada writes: Green Jerry who is this 'you' that you refer to? Yourself? I don't get why you are speaking from this point of view. I thought you weren't gay? Else why the hate? But if you're not gay why speak like you are? Confused by your odd rant.
  78. R L from Calgary, Canada writes: Buddy Canada says, 'Same sex relationship = no reproduction'

    ---
    Some flaws with that statement...

    1) Infertile men and women are allowed to marry (and there's nothing wrong with that).

    2) Married couples do not need to have children.

    3) You do not need to be married to have children.

    4) Same-sex-marriage has no impact whatsoever on the rate at which heterosexual couples reproduce, nor on the ability for heterosexual couples to reproduce.
  79. Jake The Snake from Canada writes: hugh machugh: Correct me if I am misinterpreting what you are saying.

    So, any voluntary act that could injure someone should be illegal.

    Don't want to get too graphic here but a woman's labia/vagina tissue can be torn during hetero sex too.

    Would you mind squaring that circle for me?
  80. Joseph T from Victoria, Canada writes: Sher Bear from North of Sensville, Canada writes: I have never met a gay person on welfare.

    >>Actually, I have. Many as a matter of fact.
  81. F/A josquin from van, Canada writes: OK green Jerry--------we know what you are all about-----nothing
  82. Paul F. from Toronto, Canada writes: Ramesh Fernando from Canada writes: Jeez Paul F. I often comment against pedophiles.

    Good for you. My point wasn't about pedophiles, it was how some homophobes seem to think that homosexuality and pedophilia are somehow linked. There is no science for that of course, just based on the same biotry that motivates other irrational hatreds.
  83. Nelson C. from Toronto, Canada writes: Food for thought - a VERY interesting article:
    http://seedmagazine.com/news/2006/06/thegayanimal_kingdom.php

    The moral of the story: If gay ppl are a dying breed and against evolution/darwinism blah blah blah, then why are they STILL around? Why haven't gay ppl 'died off' a long time ago?
  84. Emperor Joshua Norton from Toronto, Canada writes: Green Jerry - I have the same issue with the Santa Claus parade. Blocking traffic, so a fat man can lure children with presents and get them to sit in his lap. Disgusting.
  85. Rick Czarnota from Calgary, writes: My eyes are open, Are yours? from Canada writes:

    Wanna guess how many gay adults had straight or at least closeted parents? How about 100%

    Wanna guess how many convicted criminals had straight parents? How about 100%

    Hey I have no problem with gay people or gay marriage...but those two statements are totally baseless.

    In fact I would say the odds are a 100% that there are gay adults who had gay parents (maybe in the closet for sometime) and there criminals who had a gay parent.

    I am not trying to take anything away from the parenting skills of gay people, but being gay isn't a magic bullet that prevents such things as your children committing a crime.
  86. garlick toast from mill village, Canada writes: the gay population represents????1%,5%,10%?? who cares? this is like a carny sideshow hustle aimed at keeping our eyes off the real issues,war,poverty,healthcare,education.c'mon fellow rubes,we're watching the hootchy girls,they're lifting our wallets.
  87. Emperor Joshua Norton from Toronto, Canada writes: Rob Misek from Canada writes: 'They are either genetic dead enders, losers in evolution, or hypocrites...'

    So are rednecks. Are you suggesting that we ban redneck marriage too?
  88. Green Jerry from Canada writes: Emperor Joshua Norton from Toronto, Canada writes: Green Jerry - I have the same issue with the Santa Claus parade. Blocking traffic, so a fat man can lure children with presents and get them to sit in his lap. Disgusting.

    .
    Damn gay Santa's!
  89. Joshua er from Canada writes: hugh machugh from Canada writes: To those many people who can't see why others oppose same-sex marriage, let me state why there is opposition: Male homosexuals are part of the same-sex marriage group. The male homosexual 'gay lifestyle' sexual culture includes their widely practiced act of sodomy. Medical experts, including the Canadian Medical Association have stated that this sex act is damaging to the lower intestinal tract by causing small tears in the tissue, etc. (Home Medical Guide, p68, 2001, and Chronicle Herald, Sept 13/06, pB5). Even though this act is practiced by bisexuals and some heterosexuals, it is most commonly practiced by male homosexuals. By passing the same-sex marriage legislation in desperation to win at least a minority government through gay votes in large cities such as Toronto, Paul Martin's Liberals legitimized the act of sodomy as part of the definition of marriage. A different term should have been used instead of the word marriage (as was done in Britain, France, etc.) ---- You know Hugh some times my poop measure bigger than some logs. FYI People smoke, eat unhealty foods, abstain from excersize etc. I think you should preach to them Their unhealthy choices, those choices cost us more money for health care than some couple practicing sodomy, hetero or homo.
  90. Bob ... from Canada writes: Jerry: I've always had my equality. I'm a straight, white, anglo male. If two guys want to kiss, it doesn't bother me in the least and I'm not sure why it would bother you unless it stirs some unwelcome feelings in your pants.
  91. Joseph T from Victoria, Canada writes: The Muslims have the right idea on having multiple wives. Even though their religion is very conservative compared to what we have here in Canada, but behind closed doors they must be having a riot of a time with their harems! I hope they are successful in their court challenge about not being able to practice religious freedom via polgamny.
  92. Rick Czarnota from Calgary, writes: hugh machugh from Canada:

    I just did a quick poll at work here Hugh....6 out of the 10 guys I talked to have engaged in 'sodomy' with their wives.

    Your argument is weak at best.
  93. D C from Toronto, Canada writes: ... LMAO ...

    ah, leave it to the Globe to make us aware that good ole' homophobia is alive and kicking in Canada.

    You know what, though. Who cares? The law is on our side now, and as much as y'all want to spit and spew ignorant lines like gay = pervert, and same-sex marriage --> pedophilia or pologamy, it doesnt matter.

    Your hateful, illogical and ignorant views mean nothing to me or to anyone who believes in fairness and justice.

    You only show yourself to be the sad people that you really are who try to make themselves feel better by looking for fault in others. Truly pathetic.
  94. Silent Majority from Canada writes: The sad part of the story is the statistic that approximately 1 in 4 or 5 children is a part of a single parent family. This cannot be good. It is my belief that these children get short changed.

    As far as the same sex marriage issue, there isn't one so I wish the gay community (whatever that is) would get over it. Why do gays get so much attention when their numbers do not warrant it?
  95. C A from Toronto, Canada writes: 'Buddy Canada from Toronto, Canada writes: C A - People like you are part of the problem with society. No one thinks there are consequences to their actions. Same sex relationship = no reproduction. Why should we wire all of society to accept 2 Daddys or Mommies just to placate special interest groups. And that is not Homophobia its called nature.'

    no my darling.. i just do not tolerate people telling other people who they can or cant love and spend the rest of their life with.
    As i've already stated, there are enough parentless children bouncing around the system for straight, gay or indifferent.
    you think what we need right now is an increase in reproduction? you clearly arent seeing the quality of children that are being brought into the world due to the lack of parenting or actual 'want' for the child(ren).
    why should we wire a society where we will only accept mommy/daddy families? damn nazi. stop telling people how to live and worry about your own damn self.
  96. Synchronicity Tour from Canada writes: I think every outspoken gay person is really a hetro in hiding. That old quote thou protest too much applies. So for the gay people out there who are really into forcing the gay agenda down everyones throat – among other things &8211; you should question your sexuality.

    Do you see how I turned that old lame myth about if a straight person speaks out against homo$, hes really gay? Funny eh?
  97. Freddy Sanon from Canada writes: For all the HOMOPHOBES ('cause that's what you are) railing on about 'They can do what they want, but keep it behind closed doors -- I don't want to see it'....are you similarly boycotting your local Loblaws, Great Canadian News, Macs Milk, etc. for carrying those disgusting depraved rags like People and Hello and US Weekly? Those publications regularly feature people kissing...you know, out in the open like. You can't enjoy your hetero porn and then turn Quaker when the LGBTQ crown wants in on the fun.
  98. Rick La Rose from Ottawa, Canada writes: Green Jerry from Canada, you're probably like Larry Craig or Mark Foley. A Right wing macho guy... who holds a strong anti-gay stance but often makes perverted remarks regarding women to try and ensure others will not realize he's a closeted gay man.

    Maybe I'm wrong.. but you don't seem too comfortable discussing these subjects.
  99. Joseph T from Victoria, Canada writes: Hey hetroguys, thanks to the gays we can have polygamny soon. Thank god for gays. Can't wait to have multiple legal partnerships with many women!
  100. Randy D from Canada writes: How the hell in 40 short years has this country gone completely into the crapper. Every society in history has collapsed eventually and I guess our turn is fast approaching. What a shame. Thanks Trudeau.
    Just think' The end of the Roman Empire, right here, right now'.
    I have toldl my children to find a country that hasn't gone completely insane and get the hell outta here as I am sure they will not want to pay taxes for health care and old age for people they despisie.
  101. David Rouleau from Canada writes: I have used this phrase since I was nineteen and a busboy in an upscale restaurant in Calgary where 90 percent of the staff was gay and every one of them hit on me at one point or another...'I'm not hip to your kicks but I will be your friend if you want me to be'. Be proud but please don't be loud about it. Cheers!!
  102. Emperor Joshua Norton from Toronto, Canada writes: Synchronicity Tour - except it didn't work. Gay people can (and do) have heterosexual sex and still be gay (bi is considered gay). Straight person who have homosexual sex are gay (or in the closet).
  103. Darren X from Toronto, Canada writes: Steve C: 'for sure it (SSM) is not a marriage by definition'.

    False. Check the second edition Canadian Oxford dictionary, 2005, the standard in newsrooms all over Canada. marriage = partnership of two persons. Steve C is wrong... by definition.
  104. John Silverman from Canada writes: Good Randy, then please, don't let the door hit you on the way out. It disgusts me that you would say the country has gone to hell, when in fact it's never been better. If a little more equality equates to going to hell, you have serious issues.
  105. Green Canada from Edmonton, Canada writes: it seems such articles have the vocal minority of homophobes out in full force. If you are so concerned about how we validate our communities (as inclusive as possible) perhaps you should move to the US. I'll even pack your bags!
  106. Emperor Joshua Norton from Toronto, Canada writes: Randy D - the Roman Empire collapsed because it's newly Christian emperor moved the capital to Byzantine. The Byzantine empire collapsed become it was weakened beyond repair by the Catholics.
  107. Darren X from Toronto, Canada writes: I'm sure the homophobes are eager to blame the 12,000 same sex couples as a factor which causes the TWO MILLION single parent families in Canada.... each same sex couple eminates evil anti-monogamy homo rays that are capable of breaking up 20 or 30 straight couples, and that's why we must battle SSM to our last breath.
  108. elle ryker lychkova from montreal, Canada writes: i am transgendered and therefore technically a part of a same-sex marriage (although my husband identifies as straight.) we have a very nurturing home life that does not focus around sex, rather the gratification of the loving, caring companionship we share. we got married as a commitment of love and we thank canada for allowing us the joy of experiencing this blessed union.
    anyone who equates sexual identity with sexual activity is a pervert who cannot get their minds out of the gutter. above everything else, homo-, hetero-, bi- and trans-sexuals are people with equally compassionate hearts and souls - genitals and bedroom activity should be shoved to the most distant parts of your minds.
    look at the individual, instead of the label you badge them with, and you will see that everyone is capable and worthy of love and marriage.
  109. Nobel Laureate from Toronto, Canada writes: ...

    frankly, im more concerned about the education system that produces so many people incapable of making a coherent and logical argument based on evidenced premises.

    i would venture that 99% of the stuff posted is either just plain factually wrong or so logically twisted that it would make my dog look like a genius.

    carry on.
  110. Major Pain from Canada writes: I'd rather be an adopted kid in a home in which I had 2 loving and supportive parents who happened to be the same gender than a kid in a single parent household where that one parent was stressed out and struggling to keep it going.
  111. BC is great! from Canada writes: steve c - Get over it man. You are carrying a whole lot of anger and it is not good for you. Same-sex marriage is here to stay so let it go. Put your efforts into child abuse or poverty, that will make you feel better.
  112. Pickman's Modem from Canada writes: Green Jerry from Canada writes: But ask them about two dudes and they want nothing to do with it. Why? Because two guys kissing makes everyone vomit.

    ----

    Um. I have to disagree with you Jerry. A quick poll of my female friends shows the vast majority of them find two dudes making out to be kind of a turn-on. It depends on the attractiveness of the dudes involved, to be sure -- but I think you are projecting your homophobia on the world around you.
    If you don't like what you see -- don't look. It's really that simple. I can't wait for your generation to finally die off so the rest of us can get on with dealing with important issues, instead of your poorly-disgui