 | E-mail this story |  | Write letter to editor |  | Order a classified ad |
| E-mail this story | | Write letter to editor | | Order a classified ad |
As an inuit woman, Karatek-Lindell said she's fought for minority rights her whole life.
 Nancy Karetak-Lindell has decided to support Bill C-38, the legislation on same-sex civil marriage. |
"By voting against Bill C-38 I would be saying discrimination against a minority group is alright," she said. "I feel I do not have the right to determine if someone should have a right or not. Nor do I believe our society has the authority to deny rights and in this case, the right of two gay people to have a civil marriage."
"It was a very difficult decision for me," said Karetak-Lindell in a phone interview on Thursday, admitting she lost sleep mulling it over. Now she says: "It's the decision I want to live with."
Karetak-Lindell knows many people in Nunavut disagree with same-sex marriage and she has already been getting phone calls, both praising and harshly criticizing her decision.
She said she knows some constituents may withdraw support from her over this, but she said that is their right, just as gay people have a right to get married.
Premier Paul Okalik said he applauds Karetak-Lindell's decision.
"It's something I hold dear myself as a member of a minority group in Canada," said Okalik. "You have to respect and recognize all rights. It's something I will continue to support, regardless of whether I hold office in the future or not."
Okalik says he doesn't know much about the gay lifestyle, but explained there are Inuktitut words for it.
"We have Inuit words that recognize gay or lesbian relationships," said Okalik. "So I'm sure it took place in the past. We wouldn't have words for them if they didn't."
The gay lifestyle was not widely practised, he said.
"We don't hear much about it," he said. "In terms of today's practices, I travel throughout the territory, and the younger population are very supportive of any rights for minority groups, and that is something I share with our younger population."
If the new legislation passes in the House of Commons, gays and lesbians in Canada will have the right to get married in a civil ceremony. Churches, however, will not be forced to perform marriages they do not agree with.
Okalik said he doesn't see this legislation changing ways of life in Nunavut.
"We have gay and lesbian relationships in Nunavut. Great. They will have the same opportunity as any couple to live in their own way with the freedom to get married. If they love each other they shouldn't be denied the opportunity that any citizen enjoys. People that fall in love with each other, if they choose to get married should not be deprived of the opportunity."
Okalik added that the new legislation is a federal matter.
"Our position has been that if federal legislation recognizes gay marriage we will respect that and follow through with it. If a gay couple were married elsewhere we will respect and honour their marriage licence like any marriage licence from any part of the country or world," he said.
Iqaluit resident Debbie Paquette, a proud supporter of gays and lesbians, said she was thrilled to hear the news of Karetak-Lindell's decision on Thursday.
"I think she's very forthright and courageous and I admire that," said Paquette.
"Any work that creates a more welcoming society to choose different lifestyles is critical," said Paquette.
Students at Inuksuk high school in Iqaluit talk about same-sex marriage in and outside the classroom.
Samantha Cooper, a Grade 12 student said, "I think it was a good decision to support (the Bill). There are many people in the North who are gay. It makes it easier for people in the North to have a loving relationship without feeling bad about it."
"I would like to commend (Karetak-Lindell) for trying to pass this bill," added Samantha Barnes in Grade 11.
"It makes Nunavut look good. It makes Nunavut seem more open to ideas."
