Canada's government introduced legislation in Parliament Feb. 1 to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide.
Courts already have legalized it in eight of Canada's 13 provinces and territories—British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and the Yukon Territory.
'Canada is a land built on a tradition of equality and respect,' said Justice Minister Irwin Cotler. 'The government cannot, and should not, pick and choose which rights they will defend and which rights they will ignore.'
Prime Minister Paul Martin said: 'Canada is a country where minorities are protected. ... I don't think this will change the way we live. I think this recognizes it's already the law in seven provinces with the majority of the Canadian population.'
A final vote may not take place for weeks or months. If the measure passes, same-sex couples in Alberta, New Brunswick, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Prince Edward Island also will be able to get married.