I Now Pronounce You Man and Whatever

The liberals to our north have passed a law legalizing gay marriage in Canada:

The Liberals' controversial same-sex marriage legislation has passed final reading in the House of Commons, sailing through in a 158-133 vote.

Supported by most members of the Liberals, the Bloc Québécois and the NDP, the legislation passed easily, making Canada only the third country in the world, after the Netherlands and Belgium, to officially recognize same-sex marriage.

Given the closeness of the vote and the emotions on both sides, I'm getting their next parlimentary elections will focus pretty much on this subject. Paul Martin was already in trouble, and this may just finish his government off.

Same-sex marriage remains one of the most difficult issues ever to confront Canadian politicians. In large part passage of the bill is the reason the parliamentary session was extended for the first time in 17 years.

But while Tuesday night's vote closes off the debate in the Commons, the Conservatives insist there is no closure for Canadians who believe marriage should continue to be defined as the union of a man and a woman, to the exclusion of all others.

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper says if his party forms the next government, the law will be revisited.

I'm sure the conservatives will try to change it, but once Pandora's box is opened, it will be very difficult to stop the damage that will result.