British Prime Minister Lauds Civil Partnership Act

"Across the country this week, hundreds of couples will be celebrating a major milestone in their lives. They will be followed by thousands more in the coming months as same sex couples take the opportunity to gain legal recognition and protection for their relationship. The Civil Partnership Act may not be the biggest change that this Government has brought in. But, by correcting an obvious injustice, removing fear and providing security, it will change the lives of tens of thousands of people for the better. It is also, importantly, another step towards a fairer, more tolerant country. This landmark measure ends the situation where same-sex relationships were invisible in the eyes of the law, denied any recognition of their commitment. [It] helps highlight again [our] determination to create a more modern, open, fairer and democratic country. There is, of course, no room for complacency. There is still too much injustice, discrimination and unfairness. But... we can also see that, as a society and country, we continue to move in the right direction. That's a good enough reason for us all to celebrate." British Prime Minister Tony Blair, December 21, 2005

California Senate Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill

On Thursday the California Senate became the first legislative chamber in the country to approve a bill legalizing same-sex marriage by a vote of 21-15. The historic move was hailed by gay rights advocates across the United States. "This is a bill whose time has come," said Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Santa Monica, one of six gay members of the state Senate. "Gay and lesbian people fall in love. We settle down. We commit our lives to one another. We raise our children. We protect them. We try to be good citizens." September 1, 2005

Canadian Prime Minister Supports Equal Marriage Rights

"I rise today in support of ...the Civil Marriage Act... in support of a Canada in which liberties are safeguarded, rights are protected and the people of this land are treated as equals under the law... The rights of Canadians who belong to a minority group must always be protected by virtue of their status as citizens. These rights must never be left vulnerable to the impulses of the majority. We must always remember that "separate but equal" is not equal... we all are lessened when any one of us is denied a fundamental right... Today, we rightly see discrimination based on sexual orientation as arbitrary, inappropriate and unfair... The people of Canada have worked hard to build a country that opens its doors to include all, a country that respects all, a country that demands equality for all- regardless of their differences." Prime Minister Paul Martin, February 16, 2005