Wednesday, June 29 2005 20:52 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Toronto: Canada has become the third country to legalise gay marriage, as Parliament passed landmark legislation allowing same-sex civil unions despite strong opposition from Conservatives and religious leaders.

Although gay marriage is already legal in seven provinces, the bill now grants all same-sex couples in Canada the same legal rights as those in traditional union between a man and a woman.

The Netherlands and Belgium are the only other nations that allow gay marriage nationwide.

The legislation, drafted by Prime Minister Paul Martin's minority Liberal Party government, was expected to easily pass through the Liberal-dominated Senate and become federal law by the end of July.

It was the last major piece of legislation before Parliament recessed for summer and comes on the first anniversary of Martin's leadership.

Some of Martin's Liberal lawmakers voted against the bill, and his Cabinet minister for economic development in Ontario, Joe Comuzzi, resigned yesterday over the contentious legislation. But enough allies rallied to support the bill that has been debated for months. Martin said he regretted losing Comuzzi, but he hailed yesterday's vote as a necessary step for human rights.

"We are a nation of minorities,'' Martin said. "And in a nation of minorities, it is important that you don't cherry pick rights. A right is a right and that is what this vote tonight is all about.'' There are an estimated 34,000 gay and lesbian couples in Canada, according to Government statistics.