A rchive Date
[ 09-05-2003 ]
Category
[ International Relations ]
sub-Categoy
[ Canada ]
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[http://canoe.ca/OttawaNews/os.os-05-09-0003.html
Tory MP blasted for rant
Wayne under fire for anti-gay remarks in House
By KATHLEEN HARRIS, Parliamentary Bureau
Friday, May 9, 2003
A VETERAN Tory MP is under fire for her "venomous homophobic rants" condemning gay pride and same-sex marriage.
During a heated debate over same-sex marriage in the Commons yesterday, New Brunswick MP Elsie Wayne lashed out at homosexual unions. She asked why gays take part in parades and "dress up as women" on floats, saying husband- and-wife couples don't seek the same publicity.
"If they are going to live together, they can go live together and shut up about it. There is not any need for this nonsense whatsoever and we should not have to tolerate it in Canada," she said.
Wayne called it "pathetic" that Parliament is spending time debating same-sex marriage and said changing the definition of marriage would not leave a solid foundation for future generations.
Tory MP Scott Brison, a party leadership candidate who is homosexual, described Wayne's comments as "rabid prejudice" and called on her to step down as deputy leader.
"Elsie is saying we should not have to tolerate equality in Canada, and I say we should not have to tolerate bigotry in Canada," he said.
"Her comments are an embarrassment to the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada and an embarrassment to the Parliament of Canada."
NDP MP Alexa McDonough accused Wayne of "spewing hatred," and expressed disbelief she would express such insensitive, venomous "19th-century views."
"This is screaming intolerance," McDonough said. "It's a complete failure to understand why we have Gay Pride Day."
Tory Leader Joe Clark, well known for his progressive views on gay rights, acknowledged Wayne has "extreme views" on the issue, but stressed they don't reflect his or those of the Tories.
John Fisher, director of advocacy for gay-rights group Egale, called Wayne's remarks "unfortunate" and said they don't reflect the views of Canadians.
"This appears to be Ms. Wayne's last gasp. She's losing touch with the Canadian values of equality and respect."
 World Fact Book (CIA)]
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