With more countries accepting unions between same-sex couples, a new question is arising: "Is my union recognized in other countries?”  There are still countries that do not accept Gay unions, but there are others that supposedly do. For example, a Gay couple in the United Kingdom has a civil union, then decides to move to Canada, which accepts Gay marriage and allows Gay marriage to take place. You would think that there would be no problem and that in Canada this couple would be seen as a married couple with the same rights as a couple whose marriage ceremony took place in Canada. Unfortunately, this may not be as true as people may presume it to be. 

By John "Jasz" Szlachetka, Feature Author

John Szlachetka, also known as Jasz to many of his friends, has been an activist, speaker, and writer for LGBT rights, for a number of years.  A former high school teacher, he has seen the discrimination and bullying  LGBT youth face everyday.   He himself has lived through discrimination and homophobia both from his family and society in general.  This has made him stronger and more determined to fight for the equality of his LGBT brothers and sisters.   Besides his activism, he also councels LGBT couples with problems that arise in their relationships.  He is also a pastor for the Universal Life Church.    When he is not marrying couples, he is saving them from crisis.   You can also find him in many different facebook groups, fighting along side his LGBT brothers and sisters. 

As a member of the 10,000 couples team, Jasz hopes to promote both the e-magazine, and to to bring more couples into our 10,000 couples family.  Now that Same-Sex-Marriage has become an important subject world wide, he wants bring together everyone in the LGBT community to fight for the rights of our community.

Comments(3):

1. A Marriage by Any Other Name

   Great story! Good luck, Will.

   Friday, April 01, 2011 Sarah

2. Thanks John.

   Hi John. Thanks for posting this. As an update I thought I'd write myself without hiding my identity. I got back today from the Court after facing the second Ontario Justice who refused to declare my UK Civil Partnership as similar to Canadian Civil Marriage because his decision would have wider implications and now I have to pay more money in fees to bring the case back but with the Attorney General's office served with papers for their consultation. I had hoped for help from some agency or support group but am having to fight this alone - which is totally unfair.

   Friday, April 08, 2011 Wayne

3. Good Luck & Prayers!

   Good Luck & Prayers to you Will. God Bless. Thanks Jasz for a great expose. Will look forward to an update. Jeff Cobb

   Saturday, April 09, 2011 Jeffrey