Because for the past three decades Unitarian Universalist congregations in Canada and in the United States have spoken out in favor of the rights of bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender persons and against homophobia and all forms of discrimination against such persons on the basis of their sexual orientation or identity; and

Whereas love between two men, two women, or one man and one woman creates deep and caring relationships and families in a diversity of configurations and provides nurturing environments for couples and their children; and

Whereas in an historic decision, the National Assembly of Quebec defended these rights on June 7, 2002, by passing into law Union Civile, a bill legalizing same-sex unions, and gave these couples equal rights to those enjoyed by heterosexual couples, including parental rights, the rights of adoption, and equal access to fertility clinics;

Therefore be it resolved that on this historic occasion we the delegates of the 2002 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association, Canadians and Americans together

• commend the Government of Quebec and in particular the Minister of Justice, M. Paul Bégin, for progressive thinking and political courage in bringing into law progressive legislation giving same-sex couples full legal equality;
• commend the people of Quebec for their openness and leadership in showing the world that embracing diversity is our strength;
• encourage Unitarian Universalist congregations in the rest of Canada and in the United States to follow this bold example and to promote similar legislation in their own communities.