(OTTAWA) - Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP (Saanich – Gulf Islands), issued the following statement on the 10th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Marriage Act (2005):
“Today is a chance to celebrate a victory for diversity in Canadian history.
“I am proud the Green Party was the first federal party to demand that our marriage laws stop denying same sex couples their rights. As the first party to have an openly gay leader, Chris Lea, we were years ahead of other parties in calling for law reform to enable same sex marriage.
“It must be recognized that Canada was one of the first countries - the fourth in the world and the first country outside of Europe - to officially legalize same-sex marriage in 2005. This weekend’s results from Ireland, where its citizens overwhelmingly voted to legalize same-sex marriage, demonstrates just how important it is to continue to promote human rights at home and abroad.
“On the 10th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Marriage Act today, we must continue to work towards a more inclusive society, free from hatred and discrimination.”
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca