Queen’s University senior political studies PhD student Megan Gaucher is available to comment on the government of Canada stating thousands of same-sex couples that traveled to Canada to get married are not legally wed. They will only be considered married if gay marriage is also recognized in their home country or state.

This story closely relates to Ms. Gaucher’s PhD thesis. Her dissertation is on the role conjugality plays in Canadian immigration policy.

"This shift in federal policy is one of several recent changes that highlight the Harper government's paradoxical stance on gay rights in Canada,” says Ms Gaucher. “While the Harper government continues to use Canada's progressive stance on gay rights to promote its human rights agenda abroad, it is simultaneously making it more difficult for non-Canadian gays and lesbians to enjoy these rights. Invalidating these marriages not only contradicts Canada's international reputation, but also further reinforces the Harper government's negative position on gay and lesbian rights, particularly in relation to the institution of marriage and family composition.”

Please note Ms Gaucher is only available for phone interviews.

To arrange an interview, please contact communication officers Anne Craig at 613.533.2877 or anne.craig@queensu.ca or Michael Onesi at 613.533.6000 ext. 77513 or michael.onesi@queensu.ca at Queen’s University News and Media Services Department in Kingston, Ont., Canada.

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