On November 5, 2014, the Leader of the Government in the Senate introduced Bill S-7, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Civil Marriage Act and the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, otherwise known as the Zero Tolerance for Barbaric Cultural Practices Act (“Bill S-7“). Bill S-7 has mainly received media attention because of its arguably inflammatory title. The actual significant impacts for prospective immigrants and practitioners are: Current Proposed Practising polygamy does not result in a foreign national or permanent resident being inadmissible to Canada. A permanent resident or a foreign national is inadmissible on grounds of practising polygamy if they are or will be practising polygamy with a person who is or will be physically present in Canada at the same time as the permanent resident or foreign national. Marriage requires the free and enlightened consent of two persons to be the spouse of each other. No person who is under the age of 16 years may contract marriage. There will be a new offence that everyone who celebrates, aids or participates in a marriage rite or ceremony knowing that one of the persons being married is marrying against … Read More