Canadian Forces Has First Gay Wedding

[Cpl Kendall]

CBC.CA

Airbase hosts 1st military gay wedding
Last Updated Tue, 14 Jun 2005 13:43:58 EDT
CBC News

Two men were married in the chapel at Nova Scotia's Greenwood airbase in May, in what's being called the Canadian military's first gay wedding.

* INDEPTH: Same-sex Rights

Lt.-Cmdr. David Greenwood, the base's head chaplain, said a sergeant and a warrant officer were married May 3 in front of about 45 guests.

"This couple had been waiting a very long, long time," said Greenwood, declining to give their names because he hadn't asked for permission.

In September, the Nova Scotia Supreme Court ruled that banning same-sex marriages is unconstitutional, effectively changing the definition of marriage in the province to "the lawful union of two persons to the exclusion of all others."

The military has said it's willing to host gay weddings in jurisdictions where it's legal.

A low-key marriage ceremony

Greenwood, an Anglican, did not perform the marriage but he did make the arrangements for the service while a United Church minister from nearby Wolfville performed the vows.

"I looked after the co-ordination in accordance with our military policy of receiving the couple with dignity and respect," said Greenwood.

"I was there to preach and welcome the community on behalf of the base chaplaincy."

While most Anglican dioceses in Canada do not perform same-sex marriages, the Canadian church has postponed its official decision until 2007.

Greenwood said the ceremony was relaxed and low-key, and there wasn't a dry eye in sight when the couple signed the marriage documents.

Greenwood said he has been told that a second same-sex marriage may be in the works this year, at CFB Valcartier in Quebec.

Same-sex marriage legal in 7 provinces, 1 territory

In 2004, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Ottawa has exclusive jurisdiction to decide who has the right to get married in this country, but that religious groups are not obliged to perform unions against their beliefs.

Federal politicians are now considering a same-sex marriage bill.

Currently, same-sex marriages performed in seven provinces and one territory are legal and must be recognized. Same-sex marriages are not performed in Alberta, New Brunswick, P.E.I., Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, but the Nunavut government will recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere.

This is excellent! The CF is truely showing the US military how things should be done.

[The Grim Squeaker]

Canadians are the future
(despite being evil frenchies.Blackadder3 joke )

[Mrs Kendall]

I didn't know you were so for it hon... you've really changed since you were in :D

[Cpl Kendall]

I didn't know you were so for it hon... you've really changed since you were in :D

I just wish the guys in my Vets group were as open minded.

[The Grim Squeaker]

When was I ever against it? :scratch .

[Cpl Kendall]

When was I ever against it? :scratch .

I can't answer that question because I don't know who you are.

[The Grim Squeaker]

When was I ever against it? :scratch .

I can't answer that question because I don't know who you are.

Ah, sorry didnt understand who the post was directed to.