On January 16, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will make a decision on the validity of same-sex marriages across the country.
Reuters reports, “The court said it will decide two questions:Whether states must allow same-sex couples to marry and whether states must recognize same-sex marriages that take place out of state.” (January 16, 2015).
Currently, only 36 states allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. The federal ruling will provide a definitive guide for all of America’s 50 states.
The right to marry in these 36 “yes” states has been a hard fought battle over the past 10 years, tested in regional courts and state governments, with individual challenges and appeals. The matter has divided the public along religious, political, and state lines.
There are several plaintiffs involved in the federal case, from Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
The nine Supreme Court justices will be making their decision based on the 14th amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which declares that all citizens must be treated equally under the law.
President Obama’s administration is expected to support same-sex marriage. Attorney General Eric Holder stated, “It is time for our nation to take another critical step forward to ensure the fundamental equality of all Americans– no matter who they are, where they come from, or whom they love.”
Same-sex marriages have been legal in Canada since the Civil Marriage Act “Bill C-38” was introduced by the Paul Martin’s Liberal Government in 2005. To review the Canadian Civil Marriage Act, click on the following link:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/LegislativeSummaries/bills_ls.asp?ls=c38&Parl=38&Ses=1
In order to marry in Canada, you must be 19 years or older, or at least 16 years of age with your parents’ consent. For more on marriage requirements in B.C., click on the following link:
https://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/marriage/howto.html
Jayne Embree, M.A.
Jayne holds a Masters in Psychology and is a highly experienced Divorce Coach and Child Specialist. Currently on sabbatical, Jayne is conducting research in the area of family dynamics and parental conflict.
Areas of Practice: Family law including separation, divorce, mediation, arbitration, child & spousal support, support variations, guardianship, parenting time, access, property division and more. Victoria BC