A Toronto-based councilwoman has resigned after her old social media posts, which appear to show homophobic content, were unearthed hours after her appointment.
Rosemarie Bryan was appointed by the city council as the new Ward 1 – Etobicoke North councilor during a special meeting on Friday, filling the vacancy left by Michael Ford, who ran in the June provincial election and won.
After being named, however, Bryan’s alleged past activities on social media, which appear to show that he shared anti-LGBTQ content, came to light.
The Pride Toronto Festival weekend began on Friday, which includes the return of the Pride Parade to downtown streets on Sunday after a two-year hiatus.
Several councilors posted on social media that if they had known Bryan’s posts, they would not have voted for him to take the seat.
“Most councilors would never have been in this (form) if this information had been presented. We relied too much on the recommendation made by the former councilor,” Coun said. Mike Layton tweeted.
“We need to reopen this debate.”
Most councilors would never have voted yes if this information had been advanced. we relied too much on the recommendations the former councilor made. We need to reopen this debate.
– Mike Layton (@m_layton) June 24, 2022
Of the 23 councilors who voted, 21 voted in favor of Bryan, including Mayor John Tory.
Coun. Josh Matlow, one of two councilors who did not vote for Bryan, called for his resignation, tweeting that he does not believe that “anyone who supports hatred and bigotry should be a councilor of the city of Toronto, nor occupy any public office for this issue. is shameful “.
On Friday night, Bryan issued a statement announcing his resignation, saying it is the best way to continue serving those who love him and support Etobicoke North.
Bryan said she is devastated that her latest online posts are “rising up against my decades of commitment to the community.”
“I acknowledge that councilors were unaware of these posts before today’s discussion and now that they are, I acknowledge that many would not have voted for me. I do not want to hurt everyone who supported me and I remain committed to help my community in every way I can, ”he said.
In a statement, Tory said that while Bryan presented a “strong argument” to the board for his appointment, his previous posts on social media “are not acceptable.”
“I totally disagree with any homophobic or transphobic view. I absolutely support our 2SLGBTQ + residents. City councilors are expected to set an example in terms of consistency with our shared values,” Tory said.
“I would not have voted for this appointment if I had been aware of these charges and I know this is the sentiment of the vast majority of the council who also voted today.”
He said it was appropriate for Bryan to resign.
“The unease that has caused everyone involved is extremely unfortunate. This is especially unfortunate the same weekend as we celebrate the progress we have made together,” Tory said, adding that he has asked staff to review the overall process. appointment.