I Do! Canadian Judge, Gay Activist, Visits the Grove
Volume 49, Issue 9
By Mike Lavers

As the contentious debate over marriage for same-sex couples continues in the United States and around the world, it is perhaps no coincidence that many Fire Islanders continue to position themselves squarely on the frontlines of this hot topic social issue. But even on this largely gay-friendly island, which plays host to a variety of benefits for gay and lesbian advocacy organizations each summer, the recent visit of Justice Harvey Brownstone of the Ontario Court of Justice was unique.

Brownstone, who is the first openly gay judge appointed to the bench in Canada, has married more than 2,000 gay and lesbian couples since Ontario, the country’s most populous province, amended its marriage laws in 2003. Three of these couples, including Arts Project of Cherry Grove President Wendy Lewis and Mistress Sharon, are Cherry Grove residents and Brownstone, at their request, made two visits to the community last month.

During his time in the Grove, the three couples Brownstone married in Toronto held a dinner in his honor. Brownstone also took time to enjoy the beach and attended the final rehearsal of the “Vagina Monologues” at the Tides Theatre. And unnamed sources even reported that the judge was sighted at the notorious Friday night underwear party at the Tides.

That said, Brownstone enthusiastically told The News that he had fallen in love with the island and its residents.

“ Fire Island is one of the few places in the world where we [LGBT people] are in the majority,” he said. “I feel inspired by the community and the feeling of acceptance [here].”

Fire Island may seem a world away from Toronto and the Great White North, but couples from across the border have increasingly flocked to Canada to exchange their nuptials. The country joined the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain in allowing marriage for gays and lesbians last month when Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin signed legislation endorsed by Prime Minister Paul Martin into law.

Grove resident Joel Ulster married his long-time partner Michael Hertzman last August in a ceremony held at his mother’s apartment in Toronto. Brownstone presided over the couple’s wedding and Ulster, a native Canadian himself, told The News that the judge is a person whose accomplishments all Canadians should take pride in.

“It was terrific having him here,” Ulster said. “The law makes Canada proud and it is something for Canada to be proud of.”

Brendan Fay, co-founder of the Civil Marriage Trail, married his partner, Tom Moulton, in Toronto in July, 2003. Brownstone also presided over the ceremony and Fay, who is a frequent visitor to the Grove, added that the judge empowers same-sex couples to return home and fight for equality.

“Harvey Brownstone is someone I have so much respect for [and] I hold him in such high esteem,” Fay said. “[He] is having an extraordinary impact […] across the world. Couples go back home to Israel, Ireland, Florida and Texas and demand equal respect for their marriages.”

Praise and admiration aside, Brownstone said that he was simply in the right place at the right time when marriage was extended to same-sex couples. And he further added that he continues to ensure all Canadians—regardless of their sexual orientation—have equal access to the institution of marriage as mandated under the law.

“The Constitution should be about protecting and preserving rights and not about excluding and marginalizing and disenfranchising our own citizens,” Brownstone said.