DECRIMINALIZE POT, DON'T LEGALIZE IT: JUSTICE MINISTER

Martin Cauchon Discusses Future Of Marijuana, Same-Sex Rights

The decriminalization of marijuana and same-sex marriage rights were two of
the major issues addressed by Justice Minister Martin Cauchon in a speech
at McGill this past Tuesday.

The minister announced that decriminalizing marijuana would be in the best
interest of Canadians.

"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 legalisation.

"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."

On the controversial issue of same-sex rights, Cauchon noted 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 a 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."

U1 Law student Paul Hesse enjoined 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."

Craig Rosario, the coordinator of Outlaw, the queer Law students group,
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 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 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."

U0 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."