Canada’s new morality
Prostitution? Polygamy? Euthanasia? Across the country, around water coolers and in courtrooms, these are but some of the hot issues currently being addressed, debated and decided upon by the law and by Canadians. As a nation, at a time when we have fewer and fewer of yesterday’s moral touchstones – such as traditional families and religion – we are at a point of dramatically reinventing and refining our morality.
With so many issues at a crossroads, Angus Reid Strategies undertook a national survey for Maclean’s asking Canadians to consider 21 ethical issues. Their answers – on topics as diverse as animal rights, prostitution, homosexuality and illegal drug use – show some profound divisions by gender and region. But taken together, they seem to reveal a rather astounding liberal tilt in our morality – with some notable exceptions. Let’s just say there’s never been a better time in Canada to be a seal pup, a mink or a lab rat. But it’s a tough time to be a convicted killer, a polygamist – or an errant spouse.
Highlights
- 31% of us have qualms about wearing fur.
- 53% say capital punishment's okay.
- Prostitution is acceptable to 56% of men, but only 29% of women.
- Nine of 10 women oppose polygamy.
- Two-thirds of Canadians are fine with same-sex relationships.
- Only 15% are okay with marital infidelity.
- 22% of Canadians oppose euthanasia.
- 41% condemn medical testing on animals.
- 87% of Quebeckers say having children outside of marriage is OK
For more on the findings, the biggest surprises and what it all means, pick up Maclean’s, on newsstands now.