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The Globe and Mail – Aug. 4, 2010
Ford’s endorsement of pastor for council stokes fear among gays: Ward 6 candidate says same-sex marriage could undermine a ‘healthy democratic civilization’
By Kelly Grant
Rob Ford’s long-held belief in traditional marriage has exploded into a campaign issue now that he has endorsed the views of a fundamentalist Christian pastor who suggested online that same-sex marriage could “dismantle” a “healthy democratic civilization.” “We’re together. We have the same thoughts,” Mr. Ford said at a news conference with Pastor Wendell Brereton, who abandoned his candidacy for mayor to run for council and endorse Mr. Ford. “I support traditional marriage. I always have,” Mr. Ford added. “But if people want to, to each their own. I’m not worried about what people do in their private life. I look out for taxpayers’ money.”
Mr. Ford’s comments, which drew swift condemnation from his mayoral rivals, raise questions about what it would mean for this city to elect a mayor who isn’t a cheerleader for gay marriage. Toronto is, after all, a pioneering gay wedding destination that is preparing to host World Pride 2014, the planet’s largest celebration of queer culture. “If he [Mr. Ford] becomes mayor, he can make the city far less gay-friendly than it currently is,” said Tracey Sandilands, executive director of Pride Toronto. “It would hurt the city financially, without a doubt.”
Mr. Ford’s views emerged during a reciprocal endorsement Wednesday with Mr. Brereton, a former Ontario Provincial Police officer who now preaches at the Glorious Church-Faith Temple, a multiethnic Christian congregation near Regent Park. Under the heading “my opponents” on his mayoral website, the pastor wrote: “Men who don’t truly comprehend the reality of the importance of the God defined family will dismantle the very ethical fibers of what a healthy democratic civilization is.” He later told The Globe and Mail the comment was a shot at George Smitherman, the mayoral candidate who is married to Christopher Peloso. The pair have an adopted son. “That line definitely was a reference to George Smitherman, yes,” Mr. Brereton said.
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