Opposition to homosexual marriage on rise

A new poll suggests Canadian lawmakers could be putting the cart before the horse when it comes to legalizing homosexual marriage.

The survey by the National Post shows Canadians' opposition to the idea has markedly increased in recent months, with a solid majority now against same-sex marriage.

Conducted by COMPAS Inc. in October and November, the poll found 63 percent of those surveyed want to keep the traditional definition of marriage, or a union between a man and a woman, while 31 percent favor including homosexuals.

That compares to an almost even split in other polls taken this past summer and fall, reports the Post. The last major poll on the issue, by Environics in September and October, found that 56 percent supported same-sex marriage and 42 percent opposed it. An Ipsos-Reid survey in August found respondents were evenly divided, 49-49, on the question.

After courts in British Columbia and Ontario ruled earlier this year same-sex couples have a legal right to marriage, the Canadian government pledged to pass a measure legalizing the practice across Canada.

But survey respondents show support for such legislation is lacking. In response to a direct question, 46 percent said the judges went beyond what laws and the constitution intended, while 34 percent said they followed the law.

The Post reports the survey of 1,000 people indicates a shift in views with a new line of thinking developing on the issue: Leave marriage alone, but come up with another solution for homosexuals. Specifically, 37 percent said the definition of marriage should stay intact but a new category that includes same-sex unions should be created.

Canadian Alliance leader Stephen Harper told the paper its poll is consistent with surveys done by his party.

"The position that most Canadian Alliance MPs have taken and most Tories have taken is that we are prepared to recognize in law non-traditional relationships, including gay unions, but that does not mean dismantling the traditional definition or institution of marriage," he told Post editorial board members Tuesday.

Proponents of homosexual marriage reject the idea of such a compromise.

Bob Gallagher of Canadians for Equal Marriage told the Post a law creating a so-called "civil union" separate from marriage might not stand up in court and would lead to segregation and inequality.

Advocates and foes in the United States are closely watching how Canada deals with the controversial issue even as progress is made toward legalizing same-sex marriage south of the border.

WorldNetDaily reported a landmark ruling handed down in Massachusetts last month by the state's highest court could pave the way toward legalization throughout the U.S.

The Supreme Judicial Court decided homosexual couples are legally entitled to wed under the state constitution and should be allowed to apply for marriage licenses. The court ordered the state legislature to come up with a way to allow for homosexual marriage within 180 days. It granted a stay of its decision in the meantime, which prevented the plaintiffs – seven homosexual couples – from immediately being granted marriage licenses.

"Barring an individual from the protections, benefits, and obligations of civil marriage solely because that person would marry a person of the same sex violates the Massachusetts Constitution," wrote Chief Justice Margaret Marshall in the majority opinion. "For those who choose to marry, and for their children, marriage provides an abundance of legal, financial and social benefits. In return, it imposes weighty legal, financial, and social obligations."

While the justices decided the legislature was the best body to address the social implications of homosexual marriage, indications are the concept faces stiff opposition.

Prior to the 4-3 ruling, Massachusetts lawmakers were already considering a constitutional amendment to legally define a marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

And Gov. Mitt Romney has vowed to prevent homosexual marriage from becoming reality in his state.

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