The Law Commission has argued that governments have tended to rely too heavily on conjugal relationships in accomplishing what are otherwise important state objectives. Focusing only on spousal or conjugal relationships is simply not the best way to promote the state’s interests in close personal relationships since it excludes other relationships that are also important. But, instead of simply arguing that some relationships that are currently excluded (such as non-conjugal relationships) should be included, the Law Commission is of the view that it is time for governments to re-evaluate the way in which personal adult relationships are regulated.
I’ve been thinking about non-spousal/non-conjugal relationships quite a bit lately, and finding out that the Law Commission of Canada is researching this issue makes me get a little teary-eyed and engenders a tiny spark of national pride. Go, Canada.