STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER ON SAME SEX UNIONS

June 17, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien made the following statement today on same sex unions:

"We will not be appealing the recent decision on the definition of marriage. Rather, we will be proposing legislation that will protect the right of churches and religious organizations to sanctify marriage as they define it.

At the same time, we will ensure that our legislation includes and legally recognises the union of same sex couples. As soon as the legislation is drafted, it will be referred to the Supreme Court. After that, it will be put to a free vote in the House."

- 30 -

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555