Wednesday, August 21, 2002

A story published today by the Toronto Star reports that a same-sex couple who exchanged wedding vows last year in a Toronto church received a marriage certificate from the provincial government — official recognition of their union.

But Paula Barrero and Blanca Mejias have a rarity on their hands as the province can't register same-sex marriages. An investigation may still revoke the certificate.

The couple were married in an intimate ceremony at Emmanuel-Howard Park United Church almost a year ago by Rev. Cheri DiNovo.

Then last Valentine's Day, Barrero went to her mailbox and was pleasantly surprised. Inside was a government-issued marriage certificate, despite federal law that doesn't recognize such unions between same-sex couples.

Although they are pleased to have the official piece of paper that declares them married, Barrero and Mejias said they don't need it to prove their commitment.

Chris Eby, spokesperson for Consumer and Business Services Minister Tim Hudak, whose ministry is responsible for marriage registration, acknowledged the certificate was issued and said it's not the first time it has happened with same-sex couples.

"It has happened before, but it is extremely rare," Eby said.

Because of privacy issues, Eby said he could not discuss the women's case. But in general, he said, if a same-sex marriage is registered, the province's deputy registrar investigates the case and holds a hearing to determine if the registration should be revoked.

"The federal government has exclusive jurisdiction to decide who can marry whom," Eby said. The province handles the administrative task of registering marriages.