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Quebec goes Hawaiian A Montreal gay man is fighting for his right to marry, heterosexual style. >> Martin Dubé, a Montreal security guard who's been in a long-term relationship with Manuel Gambora Ravell for two years, is challenging article 365 of Quebec's Civil Code, which states that marriage must be between two members of the opposite sex. >> "The Quebec Charter of Rights that was adopted in 1976 states quite clearly that discrimination against citizens on the basis of sexual orientation is illegal," notes Dubé's lawyer, Stéphane Gendron. "The charter is superior to the civil code, so I see no reason why the court won't strike down this restriction." >> The court date for superior court in Montreal is set for Feb. 19. Gendron says he is now waiting for word from Attorney General Serge Ménard to see if the Parti Québécois is going to oppose same-sex marriage or support it. "It would be extremely odd if they didn't support this change to the civil code," says Gendron, noting that the PQ is supposed to be a socially progressive party and that many in its upper echelons are closeted gays. >> "If the attorney general does fight this in court," Gendron vows, "we will take this through as many appeal processes as it takes. It's 1998 now--there's no reason for this kind of discrimination." >> Dubé and Ravell tied the knot in a religious ceremony in Montreal last November. --Matthew Hays
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