Canadian House approves same-sex marriage in principle

Published: 2005-05-05

OTTAWA (CNS) -- The Canadian House of Commons approved same-sex marriage legislation in principle and sent the bill to a special committee for public hearings. The committee's chairman, Marcel Prouxl, a Liberal Party member of Parliament from Hull-Aylmer, Quebec, said he expects the committee to start hearing witnesses as early as the week of May 9. He also said he assumed hearings would be televised. Catholic Civil Rights League President Phil Horgan said he hopes Prime Minister Paul Martin will not renege on promises that the committee will hear from a wide range of Canadians. "This will remain an issue of national importance," Horgan said. "Incumbents and other candidates are going to be held accountable for this file."

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