Iqaluit (Apr 14/03) - Alison Brewer wants her say. A member of the gay and lesbian community in Iqaluit she wants her chance to speak on the same-sex marriage issue.

A chance she might not get if the committee decides not to come to Iqaluit because of a lack of interest.

Currently, Brewer is the only person set to stand before the committee in the city.

Due to cost, the committee has said without more interest a trip up North can't be justified.

Since the federal justice committee began its national tour it has been criticized for being a forum for gay bashing, but that won't deter Brewer from standing before the panel.

"There are small-minded people every where. Let them go at it. This is their last hurrah," she said.

Brewer said they can't do anything to stop the fact that same-sex marriages will be recognized.

The national public consultation is part of a discussion paper that was drawn up following court decisions in Quebec, British Columbia and Ontario. The rulings question whether the opposite sex requirement for marriage is constitutional.

In the discussion paper four options are discussed and the committee is seeking input on which option to pursue.

The four include: maintaining the status quo; changing the definition to include same sex couples; for the government to leave marriage solely to the discretion of the various religions; or create a national registry and eliminate the concept of unions all together.

Brewer will be advocating that the definition of marriage be changed to include same-sex couples when she stands before the committee on April 30 in Iqaluit.

"If some people in Canada are allowed to get married, everyone should be," said Brewer.

"Discrimination against people because of sexual orientation is not acceptable."

She is, however, confident that discrimination will shortly be part of the past.

"It's a real privilege to live in Canada because the rights of lesbians and gay men are quite respected," she said.

But, she adds, as much as the legal rights have been recognized, social rights have not been.

Being denied the institution of marriage is one such social right not being afforded to gays and lesbians, she said.

Although excited to have an opportunity to have her say on the issue she is uncomfortable with the notion.

"It will be a little uncomfortable to have to go with hat in hand and ask for something that heterosexuals take for granted," said Brewer.

There is still room for additional witnesses to address the committee. The justice committee began a month-long tour across the nation in Vancouver on April 1.