Thursday, January 12, 2012

The Legality of Same Sex Marriage in Canada by Non-Canadians


Canada has long been recognized as a leader in LGBT human rights.  As one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, we became a beacon of hope and inspiration for many LGBT people around the world, many of whom live in fear of persecution for being gay, much less having the right to marry.

From a tourism perspective, same-sex marriage has helped to put Canada in the minds of many LGBT travelers, not only as a place to get married but more broadly for the fact that it became a destination that was known to be safe and welcoming for LGBT individuals.  The economic impact of same-sex marriage, therefore, goes beyond the dollars spent on actual weddings, to the resulting tourism dollars that it generated from making Canada one of the top LGBT destinations in the world.

The possibility that many of the marriages that took place in Canada by non-Canadians might not be legally recognized now is extremely disappointing and damaging to Canada.  As a travel destination, Canada is facing growing competition from countries around the world that see the potential in reaching out to the LGBT traveler.   The message that this puts out to the LGBT community around the world is that Canada is now wavering on its position towards LGBT rights.

To remain a leader in LGBT tourism, and LGBT human rights in general, Canada must ensure that these same-sex marriages by foreigners are recognized.  We cannot afford the resulting economic repercussions this may have on the country.

Darrell Schuurman
Chair
Travel Gay Canada

4 comments:

  1. Yes this same-sex marriages should be recognized by the home countries of the foreigners that got married there. Or better still if they just allow same-sex marriages in their own countries so that their citizens do not have to travel so far.

    pattaya apartments

    ReplyDelete
  2. LGBT TRAVEL | Australia's NO#1 fully dedicated LGBTIQ travel store

    DISCOVER WHAT'S HOT DOWN UNDER for Travel - Accommodation - Events - Clubs - Pubs - Eateries and Saunas

    australian gay mariiage rights
    australian gay pride
    australian gay sites
    australian gay tv
    australian law against gay marriage
    australian law on gay marriage
    australian marriage equality

    ReplyDelete
  3. LGBT TRAVEL | Australia's NO#1 fully dedicated LGBTIQ travel store

    DISCOVER WHAT'S HOT DOWN UNDER for Travel - Accommodation - Events - Clubs - Pubs - Eateries and Saunas



    best lesbian bars melbourne

    best lesbian vacation destinations

    best lesbian vacation resorts

    best lesbian vacations

    best places for gay vacation

    bi transgender

    black gay travel

    ======================================================

    ReplyDelete
  4. LGBT TRAVEL | Australia's NO#1 fully dedicated LGBTIQ travel store

    DISCOVER WHAT'S HOT DOWN UNDER for Travel - Accommodation - Events - Clubs - Pubs - Eateries and Saunas

    gay accommodation

    ReplyDelete