Small mercies

Am gobsmacked. Some of the media coverage of same-sex marriage is more mature than Big Gay Issues have received in the past -- more subdued. 'Twould seem some reporters and editors have realized that hysterical presentation encourages some people to spew the nastiest garbage imaginable. And so they're letting the canny brains over in the Liberal Party win the day: marriage is important, but not the be-all and end-all.

The same-sex marriage bill, C-38, was tabled on the same day that graft investigator Justice John Gomery released a particularly controversial ruling in which he refused to recuse himself from the inquiry he's heading. (After publicizing his own opinions by calling ex prime minister Jean Chretien "small town cheap," Gomery then demanded that the old skinflint testify -- who naturally wanted a more obviously unbiased judge.)

Yesterday's second C-38 reading, really the launch of the debate, occurred on the day the Kyoto environment accord came into effect. And more importantly for the public, it was the day the National Hockey League season got canned.

ADDENDUM I will give patient readers a break from the Canadian marriage debate very soon. Just a few more notes: All political party leaders support gay marriage except for Stephen Harper, leader of the Conservatives (and of the official opposition). Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe actually said the L and G words during his speech. New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton was hospitalized for appendicitis earlier and won't be in the House of Commons for a few days yet: Out member of Parliament Bill Siksay (of British Columbia) spoke in his leader's stead. And of course, the prime minister launched the debate for the ruling Liberals -- an anomaly, since it's a justice department issue and normally the justice minister would start everything off. The PM's move is generally seen as an "or else" signal to a very divided caucus to fall in line. (Martin promised a free vote to everyone except cabinet ministers, who've been ordered to back up the boss.)