ToonArmyIsComing
Joined: 15 Feb 2005
Posts: 5888
Location: Ontario
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| Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 12:07 am Post subject: Canada vs. the US: Gay rights |
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I took a comparative studies course and an interesting aspect that we looked at during this class was Canada vs. the US on the issues pertaining to sexuality. While both countries are fairly similar in culture, it's amazing how much different they are with regards to many issues such as sexuality.
In effect, some interesting divergences have led to these differences:
1- Religion: Interestingly, unlike the US, there is no provision for separation of church and state in Canada. Indeed, religious schools are DIRECTLY funded by the Canadian government! Quite interestingly, however, Canada is far more secular than the US. Religious right doesn't really exist here [despite the recent attempts to create one].
2- Constitution: Unlike the American constitution, the Canadian constitution is far more stronger with respect to the issues of equality.
3- Judicial oversight: Unlike the US, Canada did not have judicial oversight prior to 1982. And unlike the US, the courts in Canada have been far more willing to support minority's causes.
4- Sodomy laws: in the US, gay people were still considered criminals in many states until recently. In Canada, however, the issue was resolved in 1969 with Trudeau's "There's no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation ...". This has made gay people more accepted in Canada than the US where they have been criminals until recently.
5- Bipartisan politics: Canada is not a bipartisan country like the US, so these issues are neither conservative nor liberal. In the US, however, these issues have become an important part of the bipartisan politics.
What do you think? |
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