Canadian same-sex marriage becomes a Heritage Minute?

Here’s one that’s been making the rounds on the information superhighway: a Heritage Minute that appears to be devoted to the historic legalization of gay marriage in Canada. Man-on-man romance broadcast on national TV? Really?

Well, not quite.

Let’s backup a bit. In case you’re unfamiliar with what a Heritage Minute is, they’re kinda like, hmm, well, let's say Martha Stewart’s “It’s a Good Thing” segments. But about historical Canadian moments and people instead of household tips. (And without Martha Stewart. I guess Rita McNeil was unavailable.)

They're one-minute short films (officially called Historica Minutes: History by the Minute) that are broadcast as public service announcements on TV.

Some minutes have been devoted to the likes of local artist Emily Carr, heroine Laura Secord, Québécois hockey hero Maurice “Rocket” Richard, Métis leader Louis Riel, Chinese Canadians building the Canadian Pacific Railway, inukshuks, maple syrup, and more.

The latest one appears to highlight a moment in our recent history. On July 20, 2005, Canada joined three other countries in the world by legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. (Prior to that date, it had already been legalized in many provinces and territories.)

Here’s the video, which is kinda like a homoromantic twist on the successful Canadian Anglo-Franco cop buddy flick Bon Cop, Bad Cop:

It was written and directed by Montreal-based filmmaker Dominic Poliquin, who also plays the role of the Sûreté du Québec policeman. Dante’s Cove star Charlie David plays the Anglo RCMP.

Although it looks like an authentic Heritage Minute, it isn't. How can you tell? The ending does not include official references, such as the CRB Foundation or the Historica-Dominion Institute. Instead of calling itself “Heritage Minutes” or “Historica Minutes”, this video states “Canadian Heritage Moments” at the end. And it includes links to the director's website.

Nonetheless, it is interesting to consider that same-sex marriage is now a part of our history, while the debate about it rages on in countries like the U.S. or Australia.

Only 10 countries in the world have legalized same-sex marriage nationally.

While Canada can pride itself on being a leader in this area, the unfortunate flipside to that is the fact that same-sex marriage remains legally unrecognized in the vast majority of the world.

You can follow Craig Takeuchi on Twitter at twitter.com/cinecraig. You can also follow the Straight's LGBT coverage on Twitter at twitter.com/StraightLGBT.