In the most shocking example of discrimination I have heard of in a long time, Tourism Minister Diane Ablonczy has been pulled off her portfolio because she awarded money to gay pride events. Toronto's Pride events are a cultural event like any other, and draw tourists to the city from the entire Golden Horseshoe and beyond. The fact that sexual orientation is protected in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms begs the question of how Harper's government expects to deny Pride funding without being challenged - and overturned - in court. The idea that Pride could be controversial to some Canadians underlines the need for the event, to help educate people on what should already be a moot point by now. While I have never been a fan of wasting taxpayer money on court challenges, Harper has consistently thrown our cash into protracted battles against socially progressive programs (InSite, medical marijuana and lisenced growers, etc.), and it is time someone stood up to his misogynistic, patriarchal war on common sense.
Pride is a tourist event like any other, serving as a celebration of all types of sexuality, as well as an educational forum. It has transformed itself into a family friendly event, and done wonders for Toronto's reputation as an inclusive city of diversity. The fact that the grant was used to address accessibility for handicapped attendees further proves that Ablonczy was in the right.
Canadian white supremists will be happy to note that Harper is one step closer to denying permits for Caribana due to its potentially controversial racial motif.
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