IQALUIT, April 11, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Enoki Irqittuq, the MLA for Amittuq in the Nunavut legislature, is taking a strong stand against the inclusion of “equal protection” for homosexuals under human rights legislation being considered by territorial lawmakers. “I do want the human rights act for Nunavut, but to recognize lesbian and gay rights, it’s absolutely unfathomable,” Irqittuq says. “In the South, people are free to do as they wish; for Inuit, I would outright refuse such a provision in the human rights act. It’s not our lifestyle.” Premier Paul Okalik, who is also the minister of justice, says homosexuals are protected by federal law. “In the proposed bill, we’re recognizing all rights of everybody,” Okalik said. “Whether we put it in the human rights bill or not, it’s insignificant. The courts have determined that it’s already in there. So, whether we get a human rights bill or not, they’re there now and they’ll continue to be there regardless of what legislation we put in place.” For local coverage: http://www.nunatsiaq.com/news/nunavut/30411_01.html