DECRIMINALIZE IT: MINISTER OF JUSTICE

MONTREAL (CUP)--Decriminalizing marijuana would be in the best interest of
Canadians, said Justice Minister Martin Cauchon, 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. 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 that
there currently is "no real legislation including homosexuals."

He said possible options include changing certain definitions in the
legislation, as well as developing a civil union legislation for
homosexuals.

Law student Paul Hesse challenged the minister to take a stand for 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."

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."

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."