Don’t let homophobia continue in Nunavut

My immediate reaction to some of the comments made at the meeting on same sex marriages was of surprise and disappointment (“MPs bring gay rights debate to Iqaluit,” May 2). I was a bit taken aback by the homophobia.

Homophobia is the means by which the homophobic faction in our society secures for itself a disproportionate share of the society’s privileges. Intolerance is the means, not the end. This misconception affords those who proclaim themselves to not be homophobic a way out. All they have to say is that they do not hate homosexuals and they are exonerated. But this declaration alone will not do. It is not enough to tolerate homosexuals (just as it was never enough to simply tolerate people of a different race).

It is incumbent upon us all to actively work toward a society that shares its wealth equally. This wealth may be in the form of education. It may be in the form of health care. And it may be in the form of human rights – rights which include the ability to be recognized publicly, officially, by one’s colleagues and by one’s government as being married.

To deny a same-sex couple this right, that most of us share, is to diminish us all. It is to advocate for a society that believes not in rights but in privileges, where some have and some do not. Some can and some cannot. I am reminded of the time in this country when Inuit did not have the right to vote.

From radio clips of the meeting, I heard someone imply that only heterosexuals have “healthy marriages.” The word procreation was used. The Christian fundamentalists had their say. I am pleased that people felt comfortable expressing their views on this issue.

However, Mr. Bell, I agree with you. We should have a government that tolerates a variety of views – that supports a multitude of different cultures. But we must not allow one group, no matter if they are the majority (especially if they are the majority), to deny the rights of another. The history of Nunavut is rife with such injustices. Let’s not let this one continue.

Dan Page
Iqaluit