(July 20, 2005) Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) praised the Canadian government for ending marriage discrimination against same-sex couples.

“Canada’s affirmation of committed, loving relationships between people of the same sex can only elevate the discussion here in the U.S.,” said Lee Swislow, Executive Director of GLAD. “As we see more and more same-sex couples embracing all the rights and responsibilities of marriage, it will be increasingly clear that marriage equality is good for families, communities, even countries.”

GLAD will soon update its publication What Do I Need to Know About Getting Married in Canada? which is available at www.glad.org. GLAD’s hotline (800-455-GLAD, 1:30-4:30 p.m., M-F) stands ready to answer questions about marriage in Canada.

Canada has no residency requirement for marriage, although there is a residency requirement to dissolve a marriage there. It is also legal for same-sex couples to marry in Massachusetts, but the Massachusetts Governor has implemented a 1913 law to prevent out-of-state couples from marrying here. GLAD is challenging the constitutionality of this law and expects a ruling from the Supreme Judicial Court sometime in 2006.

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