Vote Supports Gays

After rancorous debate that split government and opposition ranks, the House of Commons approved legislation Thursday banning discrimination against homosexuals.

Critics of the bill said it would open the door to permitting same-sex marriages and granting family benefits to homosexual couples.

But Justice Minister Allan Rock insisted the bill conveys no new special rights. “It deals with discrimination.”

The final vote was 153-76, with the separatist Bloc Quebecois joining most in the governing Liberal Party.

The amendment still must be passed by the Senate.