WINNIPEG — Manitoba's health minister says he will not attend a Pride Parade in his constituency because there is too much shaming of people who don't participate.
Kelvin Goertzen cited family commitments last year when he declined an invitation to the first-ever Pride Parade in Steinbach, a city with conservative, religious roots southeast of Winnipeg.
Goertzen says he again has plans for this year's event, but would not attend even if he was available.
In a written statement, Goertzen says many speeches at last year's parade focused on criticizing people who did not attend.
Other area politicians who turned down invitations last year were Steinbach member of Parliament Ted Falk and Mayor Chris Goertzen, who is not related to Kelvin.
Last year's event, one of man across the country celebrating the rights of LGBTQ people, drew an estimated 3,000 people in a city of 14,000.
"I am in Kansas City, Missouri on the scheduled date of this year's Pride (event). However, even if I was available to attend, I would not," Goertzen's statement reads.
"Last year's Steinbach Pride speeches, which I listened to in their entirety, contained many thoughtful comments about making all communities safe for all people.
"But in addition to these, there were many speeches by politicians and former political candidates that spent time criticizing those who did not attend the event. I wouldn't stand on a stage at any non-partisan event that dedicated so much of its time to shaming individuals. Pride should be about pride, not shaming."
