Somewhat surprisingly, Ottawa will not appeal the Ontario Provincial Court ruling permitting same-sex marriages.

Says Chretien: “We’ll be proposing legislation that will protect the right of churches and religious organizations to sanctify marriage as they define it. At the same time, we will ensure that our legislation includes and legally recognize the union of same-sex marriage.”

Trailblazing or not, I’m impressed. Treating people with respect and equality isn’t that hard, is it? I love the idea that Stephen Harper is probably physically ill about the whole thing.

There’s one thing I know for sure — Paul Martin (by the way, have you read his hepcat blog?) never would have let those rulings slide unless he expected votes as a result — and maybe that’s the whole point.

The crafty old man may have a few tricks up his sleeve yet.