Canadian breaking news and politics and hats and general sexiness

[Greyson]

Honestly, I have mixed feelings and thoughts about this non-binding ruling. I do understand how this judge was concerned about the well being of women and children. I am somewhat familiar with the American "Bountiful" sect of the LDS. Most of the information I know of Bountiful is via the American and Canadian media.

Just last week I was watching a Lisa Ling piece done for her show on the OWN channel about the women members of the American Bountiful LDS sect. Apparently these women are content with their way of life and believe their way is also healthy and good for their children. I found it very ironic that a Lesbian with advocacy experience and skills is now working with these women to state their case in the media and courts.

I know there are judges, senators, members of congress, zealots and others who believe that Queer parents and families are unfit and will harm the well being of children. If "the majority" had their way we would be stripped of any legal recognition and/or protection. This could be a slippery slope. I am undecided on this one. Thanks for posting the link.

[EnderD_503]

While I disagree with anti-polygamy laws in principle, I agree with this ruling as far as it relates to religious sects and the trend in relationship dynamics of those pushing for polygamous marriage. If polygamous marriage were legalised in Canada, very likely over 90% of those entering into such marriages would be heterosexual men marrying numerous heterosexual women and more than likely would involve those from fundamentalist Christian and Muslim sects.

The fact that such marriages would overwhelmingly involve one man marrying several women, really is what worries me. Although theoretically one woman could marry multiple men, one man multiple men or one woman multiple women and so on, that likely wouldn't be the case. I think that such a law would only largely be used to continue the oppression of women, and the propagation of the idea of women as either sexual play things or as baby making machines, or both (in the case of these sects). As such, I do think that such a law would be a danger to Canadian women, until society reaches such a point at which we no longer see polygamous marriage as one heterosexual man with multiple wives.

Whether those women feel "happy" in those relationships or not, isn't the issue for me. I do believe that Canadian law has the duty to promote women's rights and to protect Canadian women at large from practices which restrict or harm their rights. A woman can claim to be "happy" in these marriages, but it means very little. Very often people in oppressive situations do not speak up, especially when religion comes into play. Instead of supporting antiquated religious beliefs, Canada should be promoting education that informs women of their equal footing with men, of their ability to exist as an entity separate from men, to ultimately detach "being a woman" from relating with men. Still, too many Canadian women define themselves in relation to men/boyfriends/husbands/fathers. Religious freedom should only be allowed to go so far, but should not extend to threaten the rights of women or any other marginalized group.

[Soon]

[betenoire]

The first "it gets better" ever:

[betenoire]

Also:

[EnderD_503]

Originally Posted by HowSoonIsNow

It took the Liberal gov't long enough to act on it, but finally it seems they are starting to take some kind of responsibility in making it better for lgbtq students in Ontario Catholic schools. Unfortunately, some of their comments on upholding the potential new legislature seems a bit wishy-washy. Catholic schools are still claiming that the portion of the legislature that says "gay-straight alliance or other names" means that they can force students to use another names. Then they have the nerve to come back and say that they don't have a ban on queer langauge. The Liberals really need to be sure to put their foot down on this one and make it explicitly clear in the legislature that no Ontario school can ban or discourage the use of terms like "gay" or "queer" in student clubs. This would be a good time for the Ontario government to put an end to this bullshit.

[Soon]

Just turned on the tv to The Fifth Estate -- an investigation into the RCMP and sexual harassment.

Thought some of you others might want to catch it.

[Truly Scrumptious]

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women is going to conduct an inquiry into the murders and disappearances of Aboriginal women and girls across Canada.

It's about time. Sad though that this is coming from an external source . . . just another example of the shameful treatment of First Nations people in Canada.

http://www.nwac.ca/media/release/13-12-11

[Linus]

Speaking of Canadian sexiness, if you haven't read [ame="http://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Canadian-Will-Ferguson/dp/1550548913/ref=tmm_pap_title_1"]How to be a Canadian[/ame] by the Ferguson brothers you should! OMG! It's funny! I picked it up on my recent weekend trip to Montreal.