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Parliament may have made a final ruling on same-sex marriage with the vote last month not to reopen debate on this divisive topic. But it seems there are still court cases that will get those on both sides of the issue riled up. We hope, however, that equality always comes out the winner, something all Canadians are entitled to.
Before the ink was dry on an Appeal Court judge's ruling last week allowing a child to have three legal parents -- his biological mother and father, and the mother's lesbian partner -- those arguing on both sides of the challenge were either condemning the decision or rallying in favour. We side with the latter.
This decision does nothing but catch up with the changing face of families, a change that has been happening and evolving for years. The mothers in this case wanted the non-biological parent to be declared a legal parent in case the unfortunate happened, and the young boy's biological mother was to die. It is a request no parent -- biological, adoptive or step -- can be blamed for wanting. Anyone who loves a child knows what it feels like to wonder what would happen if you were no longer here.
Despite cries from evangelical groups that this will open up the floodgates of polygamy and sperm donors demanding parental rights, this case was based on the evidence specific to this family. Concerns that the ruling will leave children growing up "without a true mom and dad" are unfounded. The ideal model of a mother and a father hasn't been a constant reality for a long time, and we hope that everyone keeps one thing in mind -- the love a child receives is real, no matter who the parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles are.
Many cultures live in homes with multi-generational structures where numerous adults take on child care and child-rearing duties. Each household in Canada is unique, there is no one structure that suits everyone, and that goes for homosexual couples and heterosexual partners. Last week's court ruling gives one family what they want, it is not something that would suit everyone, but it is important that their request, recognizing their family structure, was granted.
The relationships in same-sex families are based on love, just as in heterosexual relationships. This ruling improves upon the court and legislative victories over the past decade giving homosexuals the rights and opportunities that others have always have.
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