Coalition says gay marriage issue ‘symptom of a larger problem’
Wednesday August 27, 2003 Natalie Miller
This is the first in a series of articles exploring the issue of same-sex marriage from a variety of community perspectives. Today
we speak with the co-ordinator of the local Rainbow Youth Coalition.

While the issue of same-sex couples tying the knot has saturated national and local press lately, it’s really not about marriage at all, according to the co-ordinator of a local organization.

It’s about homophobia, says Charles Shamess of Rainbow Youth Coalition.

“The marriage issue is a symptom of a larger problem,” says Charles.

“I really won’t talk to you much about marriage – it’s an individual choice people make, straight or gay. The issue is about human rights, not about religious beliefs, religious practices or what people believe is tradition.”

The federal government is considering re-defining marriage from being exclusively a union of man and woman to one of two persons. It is awaiting a Supreme Court of Canada decision first, which may not happen until next year, according to recent reports.

“If a faith chose not to marry gays and lesbians that’s quite fine, but that doesn’t mean gays and lesbians shouldn’t get married,” says Charles. “People, I believe, should be able to get married if they want to get married. It’s all about equal access.”

While in the news, there’s been a plethora of reactions from people who are gay, politicians, representatives from religious groups and opinionated residents. In addition, many letters to the editor printed in local newspapers were blatantly prejudicial, says Charles. “The homophobia in those letters is astonishing to us,” he says.

Charles notes discussions centred on religion, beliefs, as well as, suggestions that being gay is a lifestyle choice. “The heart of the matter is how people respond to a minority group asking for equal rights.”

When asked if Peterborough was a place accepting of homosexuals, Charles said, “not very, generally.” As co-ordinator of the Rainbow Youth Coalition, which provides support groups for gay and lesbian youth, Charles is also involved in helping agencies and organizations confront homophobia. The coalition is comprised of 16 organizations in an area spanning four counties. Members, such as the Peterborough County-City Health Unit, Trillium Lakelands District School Board and City of Kawartha Lakes Boys and Girls Club, meet regularly to discuss issues concerning gay and lesbian youth.

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