Yellowknife (Dec 10/04) - Yellowknife's gay and lesbian community welcomed a Supreme Court decision that paves the way for same-sex marriage, calling the ruling "surreal."

"Personally, I am completely thrilled," said Don Babey, a spokesperson for Out North, a group that represents gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Northerners.

"The notion of equality and inclusion is extremely important."

The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that federal legislation to extend marital rights to gay and lesbian couples would be constitutional.

The government referred the issue to the court in July 2003, seeking judicial approval before bringing a same-sex marriage law before Parliament. With the ruling, federal Justice Minister Irwin Cotler announced that legislation could be introduced during Parliament's next session in January.

Territorial Justice Minister Charles Dent said earlier this year the NWT government "had no intention to challenge federal law."

Territorial legislation that governs marriage would have to be reviewed to make sure it complies with the federal law before licences could be issued, Dent said.

Several same-sex couples living in the NWT already have marriage licences from the six Canadian jurisdictions that allow the unions, Babey said. "But it goes beyond paper. It is a question of equal rights," he said.