BC NDP

Vancouver - Gordon Campbell needs to answer for disturbingly homophobic comments made by Liberal candidate Marc Dalton, says Vancouver-West End candidate Spencer Herbert.

In an email, Dalton said, "I believe homosexuality is a moral issue. Most of us agree on many morals: respect, honesty, kindness. There are also many behaviours and acts that most of us would not condone: rape, robbery, assault, drunken driving, pedophilia, incest and so on. There are other moral issues that large segments of our society do not see eye to eye: gambling, abortion, adultery, pornography. I believe that homosexuality fits in this category."

"Gordon Campbell said that his party has a vigorous screening process. Either Mr. Dalton chose not to disclose these comments or they are acceptable to Mr. Campbell," said Herbert. "If Mr. Dalton hid his homophobia he should be asked to resign. If Mr. Campbell approved the candidacy knowing of these statements he should do the right thing, denounce these comments and fire this candidate."

In 2008, Dalton sought a Federal Conservative nomination in Burnaby-New Westminster, but after a vetting process the party vetoed his nomination. No explanation was given.

"I wonder how Mr. Dalton passed the Campbell Liberal screen but not the Harper Conservatives," said Herbert.