‘I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the rules in the States’: Halifax woman on same-sex marriage ruling in US

HALIFAX – As Americans across the United States celebrate yesterday’s same-sex marriage ruling, the decision is also hitting home in Halifax.

Heather Green moved to Halifax in 2009 after her home state of California passed Prop 8,  a bill that overruled previous legislation recognizing same-sex marriage in the state.

“I was just crying all day basically,” said Green about Friday’s Supreme Court ruling in the United States. “I still have a lot of friends and family back in California, so seeing their updates and their stories and people just sporadically getting married because they suddenly could — it was just really heartwarming and moving.”

Green was one of thousands of Californians who protested against Prop 8 in 2008, but it was ultimately passed.

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“Its been a long time coming I think, and my own story has been so impacted by the rules in the States that it was pretty emotional, an emotional day for sure,” said Green, who is also vice-chair of Halifax Pride.

“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the rules in the States.”

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Nova Scotia legalized same-sex marriage in September 2004. It has been legal across Canada since the Civil Marriage Act received Royal Assent on July 20, 2005. Sunday though, marks ten years since the bill was passed by the House of Commons.

Even with same-sex marriage marking a decade in Canada, Green said more still needs to be done. For example, in Ottawa a bill that would explicitly protect transgender rights has been stuck in legislative limbo for years. Passed by the House of Commons in 2013, it was delayed in the Senate and likely won’t pass before an expected fall election call.

Another step that Green said should be looked at is a ban on conversion therapy in Nova Scotia. Ontario became the first province to pass the ban in early June. While Nova Scotia doesn’t have an explicit ban against the therapy, the province said it doesn’t “support” the therapy.

“We do not support the notion that anyone from the LGBTQI community requires treatment simply because of their sexual orientation,” said Rachel Boomer, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Wellness.

Nonetheless, Green said she now has another reason to celebrate July’s Halifax Pride week.

“It’s a party every year. I’ll probably party a little bit harder and be a little bit more excited,” said Green.

“I’ll try not to propose to anybody, but no promises.”

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