Canadians worry about what marriage might do to queer culture
In , conservative commentators worry aloud that recognition of same-sex marriage will undermine society, but many queers express the fear that it will undermine their notions of who they are. They say they want to maintain the unique aspects of their culture and their place at the edge of social change. David Andrew, 41, says he broke into a sweat when he heard marriage was being approved, fearing that his partner would feel jilted when he told him that he did not believe in the institution. "Personally, I saw marriage as a dumbing down of gay relationships. My dread is that soon you will have a complacent bloc of gay and lesbian soccer moms." His skepticism about marriage is a recurring refrain among Canadian gay couples, who have not rushed to marry in great numbers in the few weeks since June 10 when they became eligible. Tribnet.com
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of has tentatively set aside April 16, 2004, to hear arguments on whether same-sex couples can legally marry, potentially making the divisive issue fresh in the minds of voters if a federal election is called next spring. A coalition of religious groups is already saying it plans to take aim at individual federal politicians whom the organizations believe are vulnerable to electoral defeat if they vote for same-sex marriage. The coalition plans a news conference Tuesday to threaten about 30 southern Ontario legislators. Ottawa Citizen
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