Ford relents on flying pride flag
Colleague compares him to Putin
Police responded to Rob Ford’s office to investigate a potential threat against Ford and his family Friday afternoon, not long after the mayor demanded a pride flag flying at city hall be taken down.
The rainbow-coloured flag was raised above city hall in solidarity with the gay community in Russia during the Olympics.
But within the hour of making the controversial comments, Ford seemed to be backing away from his demand amid allegations of homophobia.
A spokesperson for Ford said the threat was unrelated to the flag controversy.
“The police are here regarding a message we received about a potential threat to the mayor and his family,” Ford spokesman Amin Massoudi said.
“It’s not about someone’s sexual preference,” Ford told reporters at city hall Friday.
“No, I do not agree with putting up the rainbow flag. We should put up the Canadian flag.”
Then he went outside to inspect the Canadian flag he hung up in the window of his office.
“This is the Olympics. This is about being patriotic to your country. This is not about your sexual preference,” he added.
When told the flag raising was meant to protest antigay laws in Russia, Ford replied: “Let Russia do what they want. We’re Canadians here.”
Ford says he has asked city manager Joe Pennachetti to take down the rainbow flag.
However, about a half an hour after Ford marched outside, Councillor Anthony Perruzza emerged from the mayor’s office to say the mayor agreed that both the pride and the Canadian flag should fly at city hall.
“He told me he is okay with that so I’m hoping that is what we will do,” Perruzza said.
Ford’s statement comes on the heels of allegations of homophobia after he said Wednesday he would never attend a pride parade because he did not want to.
Councillors reacted strongly to the mayor’s display on Friday.
Councillor John Parker said flying the rainbow flag at this time, “when the world is outraged at the comments and behaviour of Vladimir Putin,” suits him just fine at this time.
“I’m sorry that Rob Ford has decided to align himself with Vladimir Putin on the matter,” he said.