Conservative leadership hopeful Richard Dècarie is under fire after he denounced gay marriage and asserted homosexuality is a “choice” on the Jan. 22 edition of CTV’s Power Play.
His comments have attracted national attention as he’s accused of holding views that are out of alignment not only with Canadians, but even with the party he wants to lead.
Numerous declared and prospective Conservative leadership candidates immediately denounced Dècarie’s comments:
The comments are as unacceptable as they are ignorant. You do not speak for Conservatives—or for Canadians. Being gay is NOT a choice. Being ignorant is. https://t.co/7zWLwQbQOH
— pierrepoilievre (@PierrePoilievre) January 23, 2020
This statement is ridiculous. The Conservative Party of Canada is open to ALL Canadians. Our membership made it clear when we voted to recognize same-sex marriage. https://t.co/f6pYCtyXGJ
— Erin O'Toole (@erinotoole) January 23, 2020
Being gay is not a choice and nobody should be running for office on a platform to roll back hard-won rights. https://t.co/EtUm7StRoI
— Peter MacKay (@PeterMacKay) January 23, 2020
I have been clear: I will stand up for the rights and freedoms of every Canadian. What has been said is unacceptable. https://t.co/8pE0vFax9t
— Marilyn Gladu (@MPMarilynGladu) January 23, 2020
I’ve had the possibility to meet many SoCon in the past few months. Rest assured that this kind of rhetoric isn’t present amongst SoCon. It’s shameful that he is labeling himself something he isn’t. He isn’t a SoCon, he’s simply an outdated bigot & should be prevent from running. https://t.co/3SuWUSGKiF
— Vincenzo Guzzo “MrSunshine” (@Guzzo_Vincenzo) January 23, 2020
Fully supporting Canada's LGBTQ community is nothing new.
— Rick Peterson (@RickPetersonCA) January 23, 2020
I've done it all my life. And I'll do so as @CPC_HQ Leader.
As this young woman who I met marching with @VanCentreCPC in Vancouver Pride says:
"Pineapple pizza is controversial. Bisexuality is not."#walkthetalk pic.twitter.com/ctOA7zLT8u
I vehemently reject this message. I will not serve under someone whose leadership pitch is that someone's sexuality is something to be "fixed". I am full on tired of this type of shit defining the conservative movement in Canada. Giddyup, you're going to have to go through me. https://t.co/mHvlGfFWQc
— Michelle Rempel Garner (@MichelleRempel) January 22, 2020
True North is keeping track of who’s in and who’s out in the Conservative leadership campaign here.