The Latest

The Pride Rainbow Project chapters have essentially been disbanded, and the sections of the banner are to be stored in the following locations:

The West Coast piece at the Canadian Unitarian Council's Western office in Vancouver, BC

The Prairie piece at the Unitarian Church of Calgary in Calgary, AB

Both the Central and Eastern Pieces at the Canadian Unitarian Council's main office in Toronto, ON

All pieces are still available for use at pride parades and other events, and for rent for weddings and other private functions.

We are saddened by the news that so many states have taken a step back on equal marriage rights in the US in this recent election, but we celebrate the election of President-Elect Obama as a major step on the path to a more diverse and accepting society.

Thankfully equal marriage in our country appears to be safe, at least for the time being.

A lot has taken place since the last update: The BC section of the banner has left for the Trans Cycling Odessey, we have found Chapter Leaders for the West Coast and Eastern Region Chapters, a piece of the banner has already been sent to it's first Pride Event of the year which is coming up in May in Guelph, and workshops and worship services have included the peices of the banner. And all 500 ft of the Banner may be making an appearance at the opening ceremonies of the first World OutGames in Montreal in July!

Unfortunately the new Conservative government has now vowed to hold a vote on whether or not to re-open the marriage debate. If this vote passes, then the rights we fought for the last few years could be taken away. The easiest and most effective way for us to safe gaurd Equal Marriage, is for that vote to be defeated - so that means we really need all of you, our supporters, to call, email and write you MP and let him or her know that you do NOT want the equal marriage debate re-opened.

With the start of the New Year the Website got a much needed update, and The Executive Directors are planning what actions the project will take if the upcoming federal elections yields a Conservative Government, as Stephen Harper has promised to revoke the Equal Marriage legislation if elected.

So far leaders have been found for the American Project and for the Central Region Chapter. Leaders are very much needed to lead the West Coast, Prairie, and Eastern Regional Chapters. If you would be willing to lead one of these chapters, please email us immediately. priderainbowproject@gmail.com

On July 20th 2005, royal assent was given for Bill C-38, and Equal Marriage became law in Canada, making Canada the 4th country in the world to allow it. The banner continued to travel the country over the summer months, from weddings to AIDS Walks and Pride Parades. Some small keep-sake pieces of the banner were sent along with thank you cards to major supporters of the project.

With Bill C-38 finally passed, it became clear that the first phase of the Pride Rainbow Project was complete. The group considered many options and thank you all for your suggestions. In the end they decided to take on new roles, those of managerial positions to assist and oversee the future of PRP. The group felt it was important to keep the project fresh in Canada and follow up GBLTQ rights, because one piece of legislation is simply not enough to change discriminatory views. Mary Bennett of the Canadian Unitarian Council suggested we divide the banner into a few pieces and seek out other groups to help carry out our original vision of Canada being accepting of diversity. The group liked the idea of spreading their previous enthusiasm throughout the country and moved forward with the idea. Although the original Calgary Five will always be given full credit for the Pride Rainbow Project, Christine Michell and Cora Bailey are now the main moderators.

Now that the second phase of the project has begun, groups of adults and/or youth who are willing to create “PRP Chapters” in each of four regions in Canada are greatly needed. These chapters would be responsible for carrying out the mandate of the project through such activities as taking the banner to rallies and demonstrations, and shipping it to other cities in their region for use in parades and rallies, and at wedding ceremonies and other events. In this way the project can truly benefit all of Canada. Chapters will be largely autonomous and free to choose how much responsibility to take on; but will receive advice and assistance from the Executive Committee, and major decisions regarding the Project’s stance on certain issues will be decided by the Executive Committee.