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REAL WOMEN IN COURT OVER DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE

REAL Women will be arguing before the Supreme Court of Canada on March 18, 1998 (the date was moved from February 24, 1998) on the definition of marriage and family in Canada. We will, of course, be arguing that marriage includes only individuals of the opposite sex.

The Ontario Court of Appeal, in a 2-1 decision in December 1996, held that a lesbian was entitled to support from her former partner under the Ontario Family Law Act. That Act, however, clearly defined "spouses" as being individuals of the opposite sex. The Court "read-out" the words "opposite sex" in the Act and "read-in", instead, that the Act applied to same-sex partners who were to be regarded as "spouses". In its judgement, the majority in the Court also stated that other Ontario statutes may also be unconstitutional in light of this decision and further, that Ontario should reconsider enacting Bill 167, which was soundly defeated in 1994 in the Ontario legislature. Such arrogance! Bill 167 was voted down in a free vote 68 - 59. Who do these judges think they are, imposing their own views on the rest of us? The Court's decision has nothing to do with law and everything to do with political correctness.

This is a very serious case. If the homosexuals/lesbians succeed, ninety (90) Ontario statutes, as well as numerous legal and municipal by-laws which define spouse as being a member of the opposite sex, will also have to be amended. No other jurisdiction in North America has ever done this. It would cause not only a major social upheaval, but also a fundamental alteration in our social values and culture.

Moreover, since this is a decision of the Supreme Court of Canada, the highest court in the land, the decision will apply to all Canadian provinces and territories, not just Ontario. All provinces would be required to amend their legislation in accordance with the directives of these appointed, elitist, self-aggrandizing members of the Court.

It is for this reason that REAL Women of Canada believes it had no alternative but to intervene in this case.

Please pray that our arguments will be heard and understood by the Court. Also, our legal expenses are extremely high. Please assist REAL Women's efforts by a financial contribution to our Legal Defence Fund. We would be grateful if contributions could be made to:

REAL Women of Canada
Legal Defence Fund
Box 8813, Station "T"
Ottawa, ON K1G 3J1

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