Most premiers say they'll comply with Thursday's ruling from the Supreme Court of Canada that will force governments across the country to re-write of dozens of laws that discriminate against same-sex couples.

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The Supreme Court's decision strikes down a key section of Ontario's family law on the grounds that it is unconstitutional. The ruling is expected to influence legislation changes in other provinces.

Ralph Klein

Ontario Premier Mike Harris says he'll abide by the top court's decision even though he says gay and lesbian couples don't meet his definition of a family.

The ruling centered on a case involving the breakup of two Toronto women. A woman to whom the court refers as "M" wanted her lesbian partner known as "H" to pay her support after their 12-year relationship ended in 1989. She was not entitled to spousal support since Ontario family law defines a spouse as someone of the opposite sex.

The Supreme Court was asked to review the definition of "spouse" in terms of whether support payments could apply to same sex couples.

"Spouse" now includes same-sex partners, a decision seen as a major victory for gays and lesbians.

The M versus H decision gives Ontario six months to make its laws match the constitution and changes in other provinces may not be far behind.

At Thursday's Western Premiers Conference reaction was mostly supportive of the ruling.

British Columbia Premier Glenn Clark, who's government has already introduced some same-sex legislation said more laws would be introduced to expand the definition of spouse, matching the supreme court ruling. Clark said it's about time all of Canada moved on this.

"It's 1999, it's time that we treated people with equality and dignity regardless of their sexual orientation," Clark said.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba premiers Roy Romanow and Gary Filmon are also ready to bring in laws to give same-sex couples the right to support payments and alimony.

Alberta's premier has been cautious in his reaction to the ruling. Ralph Klein's government has been struggling with the same-sex issue -- extending rights to gays and lesbians for adoption and foster parenting while promising to get tougher in other areas.

Going as far as changing the definition of "spouse" may not be where Alberta is headed.

"I don't know if we're ready to go in that direction," Klein said. "I'd like to see what the court ruling is all about and what implications there are for Alberta."

Gay and lesbian groups across the country have been celebrating the ruling.