The editorial "Tolerating tolerance" urges us to go easy on those who chose to be intolerant toward LGBTQ. Odd how it seems we're often being asked to put up with folks who reject LGBTQ, as if it's not as serious as other zero tolerance behaviour like wife beating, making slurs against First Nations, and sexist remarks against women.
You are certainly 'free to hold your personal beliefs' as the editor says, but these days if you express anti-gay attitudes you're going to lose friends, respect in society, and if you're a candidate for office - votes. But don't hide your views. Get them out in the open and discuss them. If you can't defend your view, time to drop it.
When it comes to deep, fundamental beliefs like human rights, there is no longer any room for those who continue to oppose LGBTQ. Get with the program. If you don't like gays, ask yourself why not. If it's fear, do something to dispel it. Maybe get involved in the gay community in some way?
Tolerance does not 'cut both ways'. Even being a very tolerant person does not mean I have to tolerate homophobes. The mayoral candidate Don Zurowski can come clean in this campaign and reform his view on LGBTQ. If he doesn't, he'll lose my vote even if he has a lot of other very good ideas.
Martin West
Prince George
