Few Same Sex Marriages, Religious Freedom Concerns: What We Can Learn From Canada.

When Canada legislated nationally for same sex marriage in 2005 many couples took advantage of the new law. But more than a decade later, according to the latest census, same sex marriages make up slightly less than 1 percent of all marriages.

That number includes both formal marriages and common law marriages. Fewer than half of Canada’s same sex couple choose the formal marriage option. However while the number of same sex marriages has not been particularly large, the impact has been more significant on Canadian culture, including religious freedom.

To learn from the Canadian experience Open House turned to Ray Pennings, Executive Vice President of the Christian think tank Cardus, based in Ottawa. Ray suggests it is important for Churches and Christians to engage in the debate based on factual data, and to speak with love and grace.

• The Hope Media ‘Same Sex Marriage’ Series
• Hope Media Statement about the Marriage Law Debate