NDP MLA calls out BC Liberals for advertising in magazine with ‘anti-LGBTQ values’

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — An apology, not a tweet, would have been appropriate, says NDP MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert after calling out the BC Liberals for advertising in conservative magazine The Light.

“Supporting a magazine that promotes anti-LGBTQ values, a magazine that promotes homophobia and transphobia and that’s something that Andrew Wilkinson needs to answer for,” he says.

Chandra-Herbert argues the Liberals advertising in the magazine gives legitimacy to a publication that spreads hate.

The magazine’s website says it is a free Christian lifestyle magazine that focuses on everyday issues while connecting Christians to local and global communities “featuring stories and testimonies presenting the gospel at work.”

Last night @bcndp‘s @SChandraHerbert tweeted disappointment that @bcliberals advertised in a homophobic publication. Today @Wilkinson4BC denouncing homo/transphobia & all discrimination, ensuring ad placement & values align going forward.https://t.co/fgZMcQqTPN#bcpoli @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/eURfvlZwAn

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) June 30, 2020

PressProgress first reported about the advertisements in the magazine, which Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson responded to Tuesday.

He tweeted there’s no room in his party for anti-LGBTQ discrimination and will ensure advertising reflects that.

There is no room in the BC Liberal Party for homophobia, transphobia, or any other form of discrimination.
Going forward, we are taking immediate steps to ensure our advertising decisions reflect those values at all times.

— Andrew Wilkinson (@Wilkinson4BC) June 30, 2020

“Going forward, we are taking immediate steps to ensure our advertising decisions reflect those values at all times,” he adds.

But Chandra Herbert says it’s another poor choice

“He made one choice, which was to actively support a hateful magazine. Now he’s made another choice not to apologize and just to send out a tweet saying we don’t support this,” he says.

“I would have expected he would have said ‘sorry,’ but you know, yesterday (Monday) they said it was completely fine, and now today (Tuesday) because the public has shouted ‘No, it’s not,’ they’re coming forward and saying, ‘Oops.’”

Chandra Herbert also claims there are Liberal MLAs who are vocally anti-gay and anti-trans.

Liberal MLA Todd Stone, who was was one of the party members advertised in the magazine, took to Twitter to apologize Tuesday.

And also @toddstonebc, who is one of a number of @bcliberals who was part of advertising in the mag is apologizing – taking responsibility. #bcpoli @NEWS1130 https://t.co/5tRyBXOMJ7

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) June 30, 2020

“I was very concerned to learn that advertising dollars from my office budget had been used to co-sponsor ads in the Light Magazine, a publication that has featured content that does not align with my personal beliefs. I am accountable for this having happened and I apologize,” he writes.

I do not support anything that discriminates against anyone, and I believe in a safe, inclusive B.C. for everyone. I am a long-time supporter of the LGBTQ community in Kamloops & across the province. I’ve aways tried to lead by example and advance acceptance and inclusivity. 2/3

— Todd Stone (@toddstonebc) June 30, 2020

Stone says his office won’t advertise in The Light, “and we are reviewing all of our office advertising decisions to ensure publications are consistent with my values moving forward.”

The BC Liberal Caucus echoed the call to review how it advertised.

We’re long-time, strong supporters of the LGBTQ community, supporting Pride events across the province and supporting LGBTQ organizations and events. We know how important it is to be accepting, tolerant and inclusive, and will continue to work to raise the bar. 2/2

— BC Liberal Caucus (@BCLiberalCaucus) June 30, 2020

“We know how important it is to be accepting, tolerant and inclusive, and will continue to work to raise the bar,” it writes in a tweet.