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Commons says yes to same-sex marriage

Nunavut gays and lesbians will soon have right to marry

JIM BELL

Same-sex civil marriage will soon be legal in Nunavut, after a vote in the House of Commons this week that saw Bill C-38 clear third reading by a margin of 25 votes.

The bill is now in the hands of the Senate, where debate is likely to start July 4. Liberal senators are expected to pass it quickly, using their overwhelming majority in the Senate.

This means gay and lesbian civil marriages will be permitted in the four Canadian provinces and territories where courts have yet to legalize the practice: Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, and Alberta.

The bill makes it clear that religious organizations still have the right to refuse the marriage sacrament to same-sex couples.

Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Nunavut's Liberal MP, was one of 158 MPs from all parties who voted for the bill.

In doing so, she rejected a last-minute plea from Tagak Curley, the MLA for Rankin Inlet North.

"Once again I wish to remind you today that you will take the interest of the majority of the people who elect you and vote against Bill 38. This nation is founded on the basis of supremacy of God to vote in favor of the Bill is to deny that this nation of our no longer have faith nor trust in god [sic]," Curley's e-mail read.

Karetak-Lindell explained her position on Bill C-38 this past April, in a lengthy message to constituents.

"My Inuit, aboriginal and minority rights are protected in Canada by the charter and by the constitution of this country. Individual liberty and religious freedom are protected by the charter. If I decide not to defend this right by gay couples to marry, how will I defend other rights that are threatened, like our aboriginal rights?" she told constituents.

The other two northern MPs, Larry Bagnell (Yukon), and Ethel Blondin-Andrew (Western Arctic), voted in favour of the bill.

Nunavut's premier and justice minister, Paul Okalik, who supports same-sex marriage, has said that same-sex marriage will be legal in Nunavut as soon as Bill C-38 passes.

Nunavut already recognizes same-sex marriage certificates from other jurisdictions.

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