MARRY-INs: Canada, MA, OR

Dear sisters and brothers,
Queer folks in the U$A envy their peers in Canada, where same-sex couples can legally marry in three provinces.
Still, the struggle continues. There's no guarantee that the national Parliament will extend this right to all of Canada.
To learn more about our lucky northern neighbors, please visit
http://www.equal-marriage.CA
(website of C4EM). And see excerpts below.
Nota bene: On the worldwide level, .CA stands for Canada; but within the United States, .CA stands for California. Type carefully.
:)
SaveFreedom [at] yahoogroups.com
29 March 2004, Monday night, SF time


PS: latest news, as of tonight:

-- MASSACHUSETTS legislators today narrowly approved a "compromise" amendment to the MA state constitution; which would legalize Vermont-style "civil unions", while banning full marriage for same-sex couples. This amendment must pass more hurdles before going to MA voters in 2006. Meanwhile, MA's fascist governor will ask the Supreme Judicial Court to delay allowing same-sex marriages. If the court stays on course for freedom, such marriages may begin around May 17-18.
For more details about the historic events on March 29, see March 30 issue of Boston Globe
http://www.boston.com/news/specials/gay_marriage/



-- OREGON: Meanwhile, rather overlooked by the rest of the USA, the same-sex Marry-In continues in Multnomah County (which includes Portland).
If any US same-sex couples wish to wed legally,
they should rush to Portland, ASAP, while this rare opportunity lasts.
Don't delay!

.......
[excerpts from Canadian website:]



CANADIANS FOR EQUAL MARRIAGE Need Your Help!


Canada is at an historic moment.
With your help, Canada could soon become a leader in human rights internationally by legalizing same-sex marriage across the country. [.....]
Your help is very much appreciated.

Your active involvement in helping ensure passage of the federal government’s legislation to provide same-sex couples with equal access to civil marriage is crucially needed now.

MPs have been inundated with messages opposing the right of lesbians and gays to get married.
We are told that messages opposing same-sex marriage are greatly outnumbering supportive ones.

Many undecided MPs remain convinced that they will lose a significant number of their constituents’ votes in the upcoming election if they vote for equal marriage. They need to see much more support in their ridings before they’ll come out in favour.

You can make a difference. Whether by phone, fax, letter or e-mail, every supportive message helps. Convincing undecided MPs that equal marriage is supported by constituents is key. MPs who are currently supportive also need encouragement to know they are doing the right thing. Even some MPs who have declared their intention to vote against the legislation may be convinced otherwise.
[.....]