A newly appointed Toronto city councilor resigned just hours after his appointment after controversial social media posts reappeared.
Rosemary Brian was appointed by the city council as the new councilor for District 1 – Etobicoke North during a special meeting on Friday, filling the vacancy left by her predecessor Michael Ford.
However, after she was appointed, Brian’s alleged old social media posts, which appear to show that he shares anti-LGBTQ, anti-abortion and Islamophobic content, have been brought to light.
Friday marked the start of the Pride festival weekend in Toronto, which includes the return of the pride parade through the streets of downtown on Sunday after a two-year hiatus.
Several councilors posted on social media that if they had known about Brian’s posts, they would not have voted for her. Of the 23 councilors who voted, 21 voted for Brian, including Mayor John Torrey.
“The majority of advisers would never have acted in this way if this information had been presented. We relied too heavily on the recommendation made by a former councilor. ” Mike Leighton tweeted.
“We need to reopen this debate.”
A majority of councilors would never have voted in favor if this information had been provided. we relied too much on the recommendations made by the former councilor. We need to reopen this debate.
– Mike Leighton (@m_layton) June 24, 2022
count. Josh Matlow, one of two councilors who did not vote for Brian, called for her resignation, tweeting that he did not believe that “anyone who supports hatred and bigotry should be a Toronto municipal councilor or hold any position. public office on the matter. That’s a disgrace. “
On Friday night, Brian issued a statement announcing her resignation, saying it was the best way to continue to serve those who love and support her at Etobicoke North.
Brian said she was devastated that her past online posts were “directed against my decade-long commitment to the community.”
“I admit that the councilors did not know about these posts before today’s discussion and now that they are, I admit that many would not vote for me. I don’t want to hurt everyone who has supported me and I remain committed to helping my community in every way I can, “she said.
In a statement, Torrey said that while Brian had put forward “strong arguments” to the board for her appointment, her previous posts on social media were “unacceptable.”
“I do not completely agree with any homophobic or transphobic views. I absolutely support our 2SLGBTQ + residents. City councilors are expected to set an example when it comes to consistency with our shared values, ”Tori said.
“I would not have voted for this appointment if I had known about these posts and I know that this is the opinion of the vast majority of the council, which is also voting today.”
He said it was appropriate for Brian to resign.
“The frustration this has caused everyone involved is extremely unfortunate. It is particularly unfortunate on the weekend itself, when we celebrate the progress we have made together,” Tori said, adding that he had asked staff to reconsider the entire recruitment process.
Add Comment