denfromoakvillemilton
Senior Member
Hey, many people won't go, he wants to go to the cottage, whats the problem?
|
|
|
Many people aren't the mayor either - much less mayor of the city with one of the largest LGBT community in the world. It's his job.
AoD
The problem is, is that all evidence suggests that Rob Ford boycotts Pride because he is anti-gay. This is discrimination.Hey, many people won't go, he wants to go to the cottage, whats the problem?
I disagree. The mayor has the right to go on a vacation with his family on a summer weekend. I have nothing against the LBGT community, but they already have every right a normal citizen possess including marriage, and I don't think it is the mayor's obligation to spend personal time on a parade of a particular community.
If the mayor is obligated to attend, otherwise, he is deems unfriendly to LGBT, then if there is a black people event, will he have to go too to show he has nothing against the black community? Will he have to attend the "because I am a girl" event for show he is not against women? Or all the sick kids programs to show he has nothing against sick kids? Or the Chinese New York parade to show he respects the Chinese community?
The gay parade is just one of the many cultural events in Toronto. We should not hold the mayor responsible for attending it every year even though he is not personally interested. Last year the same discussion happened too on major newspapers as if it is a big deal. Think about it, the gay community is well protected by our law and policies already, what's the big deal the mayor doesn't want to go?
The problem is, is that all evidence suggests that Rob Ford boycotts Pride because he is anti-gay. This is discrimination.
It's nothing to do with going to the cottage. He skipped the flag raising last year, even though it was right next to his office, and instead went to visit an MLSE employee at the Air Canada Centre.
As the Mayor of such a large city, he is giving the impression that is is okay to discriminate against gays.
It's politics, kkgg7. The mayor is expected to put in an appearance for those events where big money comes into the city from visiting tourists... the Pride parade is a huge draw for gays and lesbians in neighbouring states, just as Caribana draws routinely draws visitors from NYC, Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit, etc. It's a civic pride thing and a recognition that tourism is a significant part of Toronto's economy. We all know Rob Ford isn't exactly palsy-walsy with the gay crowd, but he's expected to rise above that and play along. That's what politicians do - go for the photo op, be seen doing their bit - officially representing the city, welcoming tourists with their bulging wallets.
This shouldn't even have to be explained.
I think Ford at least is honest for showing disinterest in the gay affairs. I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Gay rights are well protected here in Canada, and I don't see the reason why they need to receive special treatment any more.
While you might describe Pride as being solely about "gay affairs," some of us would view it as that and much more. For example, this is a Toronto event - one that is known around the world, and one that sends a clear message about life in Toronto. Recognition of Pride and of same sex rights also highlights the ideals of tolerance and freedom to be as one is - a right that has been hard fought for against prejudice and hate. Pride also respects the motto of our city: "Diversity Our Strength."
By turning his back on these things, the mayor turns his back on significant and important qualities and ideals of this city. He does so, in my opinion, out of ignorance and blinkered politics.