Andrew Raven
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 01/05) - When same-sex marriage became legal across Canada last week, Jason Perrino didn't declare the day a victory for minority rights.

He didn't pose for a throng of media on the courthouse steps. He didn't even rush to get a marriage license.

For Perrino, who challenged a territorial law that banned gay and lesbian unions along with partner Colin Snow, July 20 was a day like any other.

"There was no sense of relief," Perrino said last week after the controversial same-sex marriage bill jumped its final legislative hurdle and received royal assent.

"This was not a fight at all. We were already married. We are just getting a piece of paper," said the Yellowknife resident, who shied away from media attention during his lawsuit.

Perrino and Snow abandoned their court challenge when Bill C-38 became law following a summer of contentious debate and several last-minute parliamentary stall tactics.

The Northwest Territories was one of four jurisdictions in Canada that prohibited the unions. Same-sex couples will now be able to marry in churches and town halls across the North.

Members of gay and lesbian community in the Northwest Territories heralded the legislation as a victory for minority rights. "It is exciting that the federal government has recognized the principles of equality for all Canadians," said Shad Turner Thursday.

"This is surreal. All Canadians can be proud... that this country is a trailblazer.

Canada is the fourth nation to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples, behind Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin gave the bill final approval during a ceremony in Ottawa July 20.

She was filling in for Governor General Adrienne Clarkson who was on medical leave.

The day before, debate in the Senate was heavily divided with several members speaking out against the legislation, which passed by a 47-21 margin.

"To those who believe in the sanctity of marriage - the silent majority - the passage of bill C-38 is a black mark in the history of this country," said Ontario senator Consiglio Di Nino.

Northwest Territories Senator and former premier Nick Sibbeston voted against Bill C-38, three weeks after calling homosexual relationships "unnatural".

"These lifestyles (are) not common in the North and our ancestors would frown on these activities," Sibbeston wrote in a letter to this newspaper.

He did not return a phone message seeking comment following the bill's passage.

The territorial government unveiled gender-neutral marriage certificates two week ago that are available at the Office of Vital Statistics - a division of the Health department.

Deputy Minister Dave Murray reminded marriage commissioners yesterday they must issue licenses to same-sex couples.

Similar requirements have created controversy in other parts of Canada where commissioners have refused to issue the permits.

"Marriage license issuers and marriage commissioners will be required to complete their duties," he wrote in a letter to government employees.