B.C. mayors demand an end to compulsory gay pride days

B.C.'s municipal politicians are at odds with the provincial government over gay pride proclamations. They've called on the NDP to amend the Human Rights Code, something the Dosanjh government says it has no intention of doing.

The controversy began last summer when Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray refused to use the word pride when he was asked to proclaim a gay pride day in the Okanagan city. The case went to the Human Rights Commission, which took the mayor to task.

Now, Gray has taken his fight to the annual convention of the Union of B.C. Municipalities, where he's found lots of support. The UBCM has passed a resolution calling on the government to change the Human Rights Code, so it would no longer be mandatory for mayors to sign all proclamations.

Gray is pleased with the support. "It takes the high road, and it allows mayors once again to consider whether they're going to do proclamations based on their own moral code, standards and how they feel it impacts upon their community," he says.

Attorney General Andrew Petter says the government is not about to change the law. He says it's a matter of basic human rights. "There are some at the municipal level who think the Human Rights Code shouldn't apply to them," he says."I disagree."

Gay and lesbian activists warn that if the mayors continue to refuse to proclaim gay pride days, they'll fill more human rights complaints against them.