Vancouver Pride Society boots BC Liberals from 2020 online pride celebrations

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The Vancouver Pride Society says the BC Liberals won’t be part of next month’s virtual pride parade after failing to take action against a member accused of homophobia and transphobia.

The society says it informed the party Tuesday and wants to hear about how the Liberals plan to ensure all caucus members understand the harms of conversion therapy.

Chilliwack-Kent MLA Laurie Throness has come under fire for defending an article published in The Light Magazine that supports conversion therapy.

“We have told them [BC Liberal Party] we look forward to hearing about their accountability measures and progress made in anticipation of their parade application for 2021,” a release from the pride society reads.

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According to Michelle Fortin, the Co-chair of the Vancouver Pride Society, she argues the party needs to do more to address their concerns.

“I think one of our concerns is that policy and practice are two different things. And our issue was not their policy, but the fact that they weren’t holding the practice of MLA Throness into account. My concern is that the party is not holding the individual accountable.”

Throness has said he planned to continue buying advertising in the Christian publication after Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson said the party’s advertising policy would be reviewed.

While Wilkinson has said there’s no place for discrimination in his party, he has remained silent in response to calls for the removal of Throness from caucus or from his role as the critic for children and family development and childcare.

Fortin adds Throness’s actions is a reminder of the responsibility politicians hold.

“In public, he needs to support policies that are effective and increase, the health and wellness of all citizens. Anyone who in the 2020s would choose to support a publication that speaks in favor of conversion therapy is not someone that should be in public office.”