Canada has approved a new national policy to let gay couples get married, paving the way for the country to become the third to allow same-sex unions.
"You have to look at history as an evolution of society," Prime Minister Jean Chrétien said after meeting his cabinet yesterday.
"According to the interpretation of the courts these unions should be legal in Canada. We will ensure that our legislation includes and legally recognises the union of same-sex couples."
The decision will take effect immediately in Ontario, Canada's most populous province. Last week, the province's highest court ruled that Canada's current federal marriage laws were discriminatory and therefore unconstitutional.
The legislation is expected to be passed into law in the next few months.
Although leaders of the two conservative parties and some Liberals have expressed reservations, there is little organised opposition to the move.
Public opinion polls show a solid majority in favour of the change.
The policy opens the way for same-sex couples from around the world to travel there to get married, since Canada has no marriage residency requirements.
Canada's action follows in the steps of the Netherlands and Belgium.
PA