Same-sex couples legislation currently in the works

A bill which would end discrimination against same-sex relationships in Quebec may be closer than ever to becoming a reality. >> Last Saturday three key groups--the Quebec Lesbian Network (QLN), the Table de concertation des gais et lesbiennes du grand Montréal and the Féderation des femmes du Québec (FFQ)--agreed on a proposal which would allow same-sex couples to legally declare their unions. >> The next big step in the process happens today, Thursday, April 30, when the three groups will meet with some of Quebec's most powerful unions--including the CSN, the FTQ and the CEQ--to explain their positions on the proposal. >> "I have no doubt that the unions will agree to work with us," says FFQ spokesperson Irène Demczuk. "They are already changing their collective agreements to accommodate same-sex couples. The timing is perfect." >> Should all the groups agree, it will mark an unprecedented common front on the issue. The proposal would then be presented to the provincial government, which would likely adopt it as a projet de loi in the National Assembly before the next provincial election. >> It has already undergone numerous changes. The initial proposal from Table de concertation demanded that all discriminatory clauses be removed from Quebec law. But the FFQ argued that changing the laws alone was not enough and added three conditions to the proposal. First, that lesbians and gays be given the choice to declare their unions. Second, that confidentiality of all documents pertaining to a person's status be guaranteed. And finally, that the Quebec government fund an educational campaign on heterosexism and homophobia. >> "Regardless of how laws are changed, we still live in a profoundly heterosexist society," explains Demczuk. "There are still many lesbians and gays who could lose their jobs if they declared a same-sex spouse on their medical insurance plan. They should have the choice to make that decision." >> The QLN's members agreed with the FFQ that a demand for the recognition of same-sex relationships not be paired with a demand for the recognition of gay and lesbian families. Recent polls in Quebec show that, while most people agree that lesbians and gays should have the same rights as heterosexual couples, they draw the line at the right to adopt and raise families. The FFQ believes that a battle should be fought after same-sex couples are recognized. --Johanne Cadorette