Canada's recognition of gay marriage is being extended to would-be immigrants.

The Immigration Department confirmed Wednesday that it has begun recognizing same-sex marriages in processing immigration applications. But the change only applies to couples in which one spouse is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. It also applies only to those who marry in Ontario, B.C. or Quebec - the provinces that allow such marriages.

"It's encouraging to see the federal government follow through on its commitment to equal marriage," said Alex Munter, co-chair of Canadians for Equal Marriage.

"Same-sex couples have been getting married in Canada for almost a year. Legal recognition of those marriages is tremendously important, both for the couples and for the rule of law."

Immigration lawyer El-Farouk Khaki also hailed the change.

"This will improve the lives of loving and committed same-sex couples who want to live in Canada," he said.

"In today's world, it is not at all uncommon for Canadians and non-Canadians to meet, fall in love, and want to marry. If they are denied the ability to marry or denied recognition of their marriage for immigration purposes, their lives will be made unnecessarily difficult."



Source: www.canada.com

That's true but as they already recognized same sex commonlaw marriages and allowed same sex conjugal partners the only people it will really advantage are those who haven't been able to establish either of those relationships and one of them is Canadian and they can get married in BC or Ontario.

Canada has long taken a progressive stance on same-sex relationships and it would be nice to see many other countries follow their example.

I believe a number of countries have done that before canada, but like you said, it will be nice to see others acknowledge this issue, but i don't think its going to be happening very soon, far more serious issues in the world right now.