Morality Issues

Abstract

The substantial differences between Canada and the United States (U.S.) on LGBT rights and abortion policies arise from the two nations’ political and institutional conditions. Gays and lesbians in Canada enjoy a comprehensive set of rights while those in the U.S. do not. More recently, the gap between the countries has widened on transgender rights, where the U.S. lags behind Canada. While abortion is not a hotly contested issue in Canada as it is in the U.S., gaps in access to abortion services persist. The key political condition that accounts for these outcomes is the length of time in which liberal policymakers have been in power in Canada and conservatives in the U.S. The separation of powers, primary elections, and legislative fragmentation have also facilitated conservative influence on policy in the U.S., while Canada’s more unified institutions have made it easier for liberals to make comparatively rapid progress in these policy domains.