DECRIMINALIZE POT, DON'T LEGALIZE IT: JUSTICE MINISTER

Martin Cauchon Discusses Future Of Marijuana, Same-Sex Rights

MONTREAL (CUP) -- Decriminalizing marijuana would be in the best interest of
Canadians, said Martin Cauchon, federal justice minister, in a speech at
McGill University. "People are using marijuana so much across the country
that the police don't even enforce the laws," said Cauchon. "When we have a
piece of legislation, it has to reflect the interests of society.

When police are no longer enforcing the legislation, you have a problem and
the legislation needs to be changed." Cauchon emphasized that he is not in
favour of legalization. "We would like to proceed with decriminalization,
not legalization," he said, citing an upcoming government report that will
recommend changes in legislation. "If recommendations are positive, then we
would like to move ahead at the beginning of next year." The minister
stressed that despite movements to decriminalize, the government will
continue fighting the use and the trafficking of drugs. "Even the chief of
police is for decriminalization. [But] it doesn't mean we're going to
legalize.

At the end of the day, it means we would be, by far, more efficient."
Cauchon also addressed the controversial issue of same-sex rights, saying
that current common-law legislation applies only to heterosexuals and said
there currently is "no real legislation including homosexuals." He said
possible options include changing certain definitions in the legislation, as
well as developing civil-union legislation for homosexuals. "Is it time to
change the institution of marriage?" he asked. "I believe the answer doesn't
belong in the courts." McGill law student Paul Hesse challenged the minister
to take a stand on gay rights. "The other day I was thinking about my
boyfriend and thinking about our future together.

I take risks by standing up in front of my class and saying `I'm gay' and by
coming out, and I'm asking the government to take a risk," he said. "Be not
a minister of justice, but for justice.

I would personally be against the idea of two-tier marriage laws or civil
unions." Cauchon argued that his impression of the gay community was not as
one-sided as Hesse presented. "You would like to be part of a marriage, but
I know friends and parts of your community working in the justice department
that don't want to be in a marriage, but feel a civil union is more modern,"
he said. "Sometimes you need to go in a step-by-step process." Craig
Rosario, the co-ordinator of Outlaw, a group representing queer law
students, asked Cauchon to justify the proposed system. "With the upcoming
appeal," he asked, "what do you think the government's strongest arguments
will be for continuing to support their discrimination?" "As I have said, if
I have decided to continue with the appeal, it's a question of the
interpretation of Section 15," the minister replied. Section 15 of the
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states, "Every individual is equal
before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal
benefit of the law without discrimination." Cauchon closed the issue of
same-sex rights by noting that the government intends to take some action
soon. "Honestly, I hope as a government we will be able to move forward.

I would like to deal with the matter before June 2003." That's the date that
the standing committee will release a report on same-sex rights legislation.
Initiating the changes by that time would also set them in place before the
Liberal Party leadership campaign, which, Cauchon implied, would slow the
process. Mike Arnot, president of Liberal McGill, praised Cauchon on his
speech. "The minister was well prepared for the dialogue," he said. "There
were a few inconsistencies, but it's good to see he's taking a leadership
role. There were poignant questions, and he did well to answer them." Arts
student Paul Todd agreed. "He addressed the issues that needed to be
addressed," he said. "I think he's a progressive minister, and that's what
we need."