A response to a constituent from Dr Marcus Powlowski, regarding the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario’s decision against the Township of Emo and Harold McQuaker.
Dear constituent,
Let me begin by saying that I think Emo should have flown the flag. Let me explain why: there are still young people in many communities who feel ostracized because of their sexual orientation. I would suggest that this is more often the case in small and rural communities like Emo. Many of us who are not gay, do have gay children or gay friends, and we want them to be able to live happy lives and to feel accepted as full members of the community. Flying the rainbow flag seems like an easy way to publicly show support for the LGBT community.
Now, to respond more specifically to the issue of Harold being fined $5,000. I absolutely share your disagreement with the decision of the Tribunal, which is not under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government. I believe that the Tribunal got it wrong in this case, and I support Mayor McQuaker. I agree that there should not be an obligation for a Town official to publicly take a stance in favour of issues of any kind. I disagree wholeheartedly with the Tribunal’s rationale, and I generally agree that this doesn’t seem to fall into the category of a human rights violation.
I also believe that as a country, we need to have a more productive conversation about our LGBT neighbours: one that includes and respects them as people, and doesn’t fall into the traps of tit-for-tat retribution, exclusion or cancel culture. Treating others with respect should be an expectation, and the types of punitive measures directed towards Mayor McQuaker only lead to resentment and are not productive in moving this conversation forward.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Marcus Powlowski
MP, Thunder Bay-Rainy River
