Same-Sex Marriage @ 20

This Sunday, July 20th, marks the 20th anniversary of the legalization of Same-Sex Marriage in Canada. It was quite an achievement back in 2005. We were only the fourth country in the world to legalize it, the vote in the House of Commons was incredibly close, and it forced the Alberta government to blink in its opposition to gay marriage.

As someone who married a same-sex partner in 2006, this issue is meaningful and personal. Although it happens infrequently, it’s always a surprise to be told with candour by a stranger that they don’t believe in gay marriage when they find out I have a husband. (The sentiment also doesn’t feel very Canadian, in that the offence should be more indirect…)

Fortunately, the rate of Canadians who support same-sex marriage has grown significantly in the last 20 years. In 2025, 78% of Canadians polled support it, with 11% opposing (the remainder are undecided). However, we can’t take this consent for granted. There is evidence that support is slipping globally, particularly in the United States, as our community’s existence becomes a wedge issue for partisan politics.

The Civil Marriage Act was introduced to the House of Commons of Canada by Prime Minister Paul Martin’s Liberal minority government on February 1, 2005, as Bill C-38. The House of Commons narrowly passed the bill on June 28, 2005, and the Senate approved it on July 19, 2005. It received royal assent the next day. {For a more detailed timeline and the legislation’s impact in Alberta: read this.}

To celebrate this milestone, the community is coming together at Contemporary Calgary from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on Sunday for a same-sex marriage event. Four couples will be renewing their vows. There will be live music by JazzYYC, a history segment featuring journalist Gary Bobrovich, and performances by drag artists Terry Stevens and Mystare. The celebration is being supported by: Safelink, Skipping Stone, Centre for Sexuality, and the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

Sponsors for the event are the Alberta Federation of Labour, Texas Lounge, Canadian Union of Postal Workers, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 401, United Nurses of Alberta, and Contemporary Calgary.  

We wish everyone a happy and love-filled celebration!

{KA}