Mr. Speaker, today marks the 10th anniversary of Canada's first legally recognized gay marriage.
In 2003, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that Canadian laws denying homosexuals the right to marry violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It took nearly two years for Parliament to extend the same rights to homosexuals across the country that every other Canadian enjoys.
Same-sex marriage equality was an historic victory. The battle was led by community organizations, lawyers and especially the brave couples who fought tirelessly in the courts to ensure that same-sex couples were equal when it came to marriage rights. This was a time when many politicians were hesitant to act, leaving equal marriage rights for same-sex couples in the hands of the courts.
I am proud to be among the five NDP out MPs. We will continue to fight for LGBTT rights in Parliament and for better representation in our communities.