So I wanted to write an angsty post about how flawed the gay rights system is in my country. I hear about this all the time, right next door in America, the UK and even where some of my roots are in Ukraine. Well, especially Ukraine right now.
But my findings for my country were a bit... disappointing in a good way.
July 20th, 2005 was a historic day for Canada. Gay marriage was officially legalized. Not all of the country was for this decision, but nearly the entire country was for it. Ontario and BC already had it legalized in 2003, two years prior. But the 2005 date was when it was legalized for the entire country. Even provinces that weren't all for it.
So that's something I can't rant about. And it's not even a bad excuse of marriage. Married couples, gay or straight are viewed in the same way with the same rights. So I can't use an argument against that.
My next idea was going in for same sex adoption. It's an obvious problem with same-sex couples- having children isn't really an option, at least having a child between the two. Unless they can somehow spawn babies, a different form of conception would have to work. A surrogate mother, adoption, sperm donor. The list continues.
After a Google search, I landed on the Adoption Counsel of Canada's website. I assume that's all legit. Looking at the FAQ, there's a picture of a man and a woman playing with a toddler. Any same sex couples in sight? Nope! But going through the questions, I came across something.
Q– Can I adopt if I am gay or lesbian?
A– Yes. In Canada, there are no legal prohibitions to same-sex adoption. However, some countries do not permit international adoptions by same-sex couples. Contact your local agency or provincial child welfare authority to find out their applicable guidelines.” http://www.adoption.ca/faqs
So it may not be legal in all countries, but adopting a child on Canadian soil is fine, despite the sex of the parents. I'll admit, it made me smile, but that didn't help out with my points to use against Canada.
My search became so desperate, I ended up finding a law that says anal sex is legal in Canada, as long as both parties are consenting and over the age of 16. I really don't think a country can be more open about a sexuality than that.
As you can see, this is pretty much turning into a “why Canada is awesome” post. And..well yeah, it partly is- Canada is portrayed as being the forgotten country that's quiet and does nothing. With people in toques all the time riding moose and drinking maple syrup and riding moose. So it is nice to know that Canada was the fourth country to legalize same sex marriage, and that same sex couples are more than welcome to adopt.
But Canada does have a bit of a history that I'm not overly proud of. Homosexuality was illegal in Canada. Then again, it was illegal in most countries and still is in many. But police officers were allowed to break up parties and beat anyone who was gay because it was a criminal offence. They were allowed to take people and leave them in dark parts of town to get killed or beaten. And I know this was a good fifty years ago, way in the past, but in fifty years, same sex marriage has become legal and same-sex adoption too. In the pride parade this year, police officers marched along side with us.
But what I am really trying to get to - what the root of this whole thing is - is that Canada had a rocky start. It did, but it changed. And I am not saying it's perfect right now, because it's not. The pride parade in my city this year had protesters there. There will always be haters and protesters, that can't really be helped, but change as a nation can happen. And maybe I'm being overly optimistic with this entire post. Maybe I am living in a little fantasy from being spoiled living in an accepting place. Change is a slow process, but it's a sure process, and right now it may not be perfect, but it's a positive start. At least for now it is.
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