Comments on: Gay hate crime bill passed by Parliament

By: Sister Mary Clarence

Sister Mary Clarence — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:16:00 +0000

I think that’s my point actually, I’m sure living in Canada has advantages and disadvantages peculiar to Canada alone, as probably does every other country.We don’t live in a gay vacuum and many thinks other than same sex marriage and the price of poppers impact directly on the quality of our lives. There is a tendency to look at things from a very narrow perspective sometimes and not from a wider perspective. Canada for example does not fair so well in regard to racial discrimination as we are told it does for gay equality, so I would question how enlightened and progressive it would be for people of colour in relation to London for example. That would certainly be one consideration for me, and no doubt others would have other considerations.I am very happy with the society in which I live and although there are elements of life in the UK that could be improved in my opinion, I think we are fortunate in that society is moving them in the right direction anyway.

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By: Robert, ex-pat Brit

Robert, ex-pat Brit — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:16:00 +0000

The scenario in that Ontario courtroom is an isolated incident and does not represent the Canadian judicial system in relation to those suffering from HIV and how they are treated when giving evidence or standing trial. It would be unrealistic to assume that no matter how egalitarian a society might be, homophobia, ignorance, intolerance, stigma, discrimination will never be eradicated. HIV is still regarded as an overwhelmingly "gay" disease, no amount of equality laws are going to change that. Canada is still the most egalitarian society, in spite of everything.

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By: Sister Mary Clarence

Sister Mary Clarence — Fri, 09 May 2008 10:52:00 +0000

Not so egalitarian if you happen to have HIV or Hep C and are asked to give evidence in an Ontario court though it would seem:The grass is seldom as green as it may appear.

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By: Robert, ex-pat Brit

Robert, ex-pat Brit — Fri, 09 May 2008 10:29:00 +0000

David, you live in a more enlightened, progressive society than most others, ahead of the UK for sure, but America will never make that leap, not even under an democratic administration. I see no reason why any religious denomination should be exempt either. In a "true" democracy, everybody is treated equally with the same rights, privileges and protections of the law without exception. Nobody is or should be above the law. Your country is a shining example of what democracy is all about. Oh Canada!

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By: David Toronto

David Toronto — Fri, 09 May 2008 07:13:00 +0000

It's about time. We've had gay rights and anti-hate laws in Canada for a long time.That probably explains why so many Americans want to move north.

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By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:36:00 +0000

Peers in the House of Lords also voted to retain an amendment that will mean some people of extreme views attempt to avoid prosecution by citing a religious defence.does this mean that they can or can not???Sorry dont inderstand this bit?

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