Glen Korstrom
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 17/99) - Gay Yellowknifers should pepper candidates with questions on where they stand on gay issues, according to OutNorth president Zoe Raemer.

First, Raemer said gays in the NWT need protection from discrimination in the Fair Practices Act.

Second, she said all NWT legislation that defines a spouse as opposite sex partners needs to change.

"MLA candidates should be asked if they support changing the Fair Practices Act as it exists now to include protection for gays and lesbians," Raemer said.

"Or more appropriately, perhaps, introducing individual rights protection and an individual rights protection act within the NWT that also protects gays and lesbians."

The Fair Practices Act currently protects Northerners against discrimination based on race, religion, gender and some other demographic characteristics in areas such as housing and some employment issues.

"The Fair Practices Act is not as toothsome as an individual rights protection act," Raemer said.

"It only covers things under particular territorial jurisdiction."

The second main area Raemer believes candidates should state their views on is defining spouse to include same sex couples.

"The question I would ask potential MLAs is 'Do you support changing or revising all territorial legislation where definition of spouse is an issue to an inclusive definition or one that incorporates same sex partnerships?'" said Raemer.

She cited the Ontario case of M vs. H -- a case involving a lesbian couple who had broken up after several years together. In the case, which went to the Supreme Court of Canada, the financially advantaged partner was directed to pay support payments to the less advantaged partner.

"If we were to ask these questions of candidates and get thoughtful responses, it would be an opportunity for them to demonstrate their understanding of current legislation and how far it goes or does not go to support the rights of gay and lesbian residents," Raemer said.

"We'll be providing an opportunity for candidates to respond in writing to these questions and we will also be attending all candidates forums to ask the questions publicly."

Raemer said OutNorth's suggested changes to legislation is important because it confers upon gays and lesbians equal status as residents of the NWT.

"It also confers on them equal responsibilities."

Raemer said OutNorth is holding its annual general meeting Nov. 20 at a private home at 5120 51st Street.

Members are set to elect a new board as well as watch a video and refreshments will be served.