Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 08/05) - An application to intervene in a same sex marriage case is awaiting a Supreme Court judge's decision.

Yellowknife residents Ruby and Laurin Trudel applied to intervene in a case brought by Jason Perrino and Colin Snow, a gay couple who are suing the territorial government after being twice denied a marriage licence.

"This is for the good of society and must be given due process," Ruby Trudel told Justice Virginia Schuler, who reserved her decision.

Trudel described marriage as a "foundational institution" and said she believes societal repercussions would be felt if same-sex unions become legalized.

Sheila MacPherson, lawyer for Snow and Perrino, said most provinces and territories have already decided in favour of same-sex marriage.

"These are legal issues, not religious or political issues," MacPherson said.

"What could have been a straight forward application is now complicated by time and expense," she said.

Scott Duke of the Federal Department of Justice in Yellowknife said the Trudels "do not come before the court representing a broader segment of society."

He said that denying the Trudels intervenor status does not diminish their Charter rights.

"They are not affected, although they feel strongly about this," Duke said.