Out North made the request to proclaim the day. Before the vote, board member Lorne Gushue took issue with an argument that Ald. Blake Lyons had made against Gay Pride Day.

Lyons' argument that Gay Pride Day was about sex "missed the point by a light year," said Gushue.

The purpose of the celebration, said Gushue, was to promote awareness of and equality for gay men and women.

"Yellowknife is a vibrant capital city and should not become known as a bastion for homophobics," said Gushue.

"Gay Pride Day is not a matter of equality," said Lyons. "Legislation ... provides homosexuals with the same rights as heterosexuals is equality."

He added that many heterosexuals see Gay Pride Day as an opportunity for gays to "flaunt" their difference in sexual orientation.

Ald. Cheryl Best agreed, calling Gay Pride Day "an issue that stretches our differences."

Responding to a question from Cheryl Best, Gushue said he personally would have no problem if council proclaimed a heterosexual day.

The most extensive argument against the day came from Ald. Robert Slaven who argued that although he tolerated homosexuality, his religious convictions would not allow him to accept or promote it.

"We can't hide our views and beliefs just because we are elected to office," said Slaven.

"In a perfect world we wouldn't have to declare any day," said Ald. Peggy Near. "The original intent of all these days is to promote an understanding of different groups."

Ben McDonald said he believes it is a human rights issue and compared the right to exercise sexual freedom to the right to exercise religious freedom.