Scheer not an LGBTQ ally
A cute Howdy Doody grin and dimples, a devouted family man and an evangelical right wing ideology “do not necessarily a good politician make”.
I am referring to Canada’s newly minted Conservative leader, Andrew Scheer. In true Stephen Harper fashion, he has consistently voted against equal rights for the LGBTQ community and abortion rights. Indications are strong that he will carry on the same principles as his predecessor. Harper and the vast majority in the Conservative party have historically not been on side with the LGBTQ community. Most of the leadership contenders are anti-LGBTQ.
Likewise with our Republican neighbours in the United States, negative religious influence penetrates the minds of many resulting in a sweep of violence and discrimination and halts, or indeed slows positive action. Mr. Scheer has indicated that he will not revisit the same-sex marriage issue and is no doubt related to the fact Mr. Harper was not successful in reversing the marriage laws to be only between a man and a woman. However, this is not carved in stone and if Mr. Scheer feels strongly enough about the issue he just may make another attempt. His statement may just be his way to soften his image.
A person who is anti-LGBTQ and anti-abortion will not be a friend or ally. Canadian voters, of course, will have the opportunity to choose between a person who supports and respects our individual identities, one who simply does not care and therefore indifferent to our needs, or a leader who has the capacity to take away our rights that may turn the nation into a downward spiral, as far as equal rights for all is concerned.
In interviews Andrew Scheer has made it quite clear that he is a social conservative and therefore could be influenced strongly by his religious convictions, namely, his evangelical ideology. Time will reveal the kind of direction we will experience. The fact we live in Canada does not guarantee our equality as human beings. Presently, we feel fortunate and quite confident, but we also realize how simple it is to choose a leader and his/her supporters and change direction. We are well aware that with the election of Donald Trump, the arrogant, anti-rights US president, has the capability to undo whatever Barrack Obama had accomplished. Obama even urged other nations to embrace LGBTQ equality.
Le Pen, the right-wing presidential candidate in France was defeated and in The Netherlands, right-winger Geert Wilders was also defeated by a significant margin. It was a great win for both countries. Wilders and Le Pen were ready to turn equality into a death quell. It could have over turned into right-wing conservative ideological governments. We thrive for equality, worldwide. We yearn to be treated equally. We wish to communicate in earnest for a more inclusive society, and live in a world of peace, respect and love. So far, much of this has eluded us. The Trumps, the Putins, Leaders of Eastern nations and many others, are not in favour and LGBTQ people are denied proper access to their needs and stand to be imprisoned, beaten and even killed. They do not recognize inclusivity. After all, equal rights are human rights. In Canada we are more fortunate than in most other countries. Let’s keep it that way. Comments and Information: lgbtconnectionsgv@gmail.com.
Gerard Veldhoven is a longtime activist for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. His column appears Wednesdays in The News.