Fact Scenario 1 M. v. H., [1999 ]SCC Two women lived in a spousal relationship for many years. They separated. and M. sought spousal support under Ontario's Family Law Act. Support was denied. as the Family Law Act restricted the meaning of "spouse" to heterosexual relationships. 1- Did this definition of spouse violate the couple's equality rights under section 15 ofthe Charter? 5. 15 {1) of the Charter : "Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the iaw without discrimination and, in particular. without discrimination based on race. national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability." - The Supreme Court of Canada Held that this statutory definition was unconstitutional . as it breached the couple '5 equaiity rights under s. 15 of the Charter (SEX)