A newly installed Toronto councilor has resigned after her old social media posts, which appear to feature homophobic content, were discovered hours after her appointment.
Rosemarie Bryan was appointed by the city council as the new councilor for Ward 1: Etobicoke North during a special meeting on Friday, filling the vacancy left by Michael Ford, who ran in the provincial election in June and won.
However, after she was named, the alleged past activities on social mediathat appears to show her sharing anti-LGBTQ content, came to light.
Friday marked the start of Toronto Pride Weekend, which sees the return of the Pride Parade to the streets of downtown on Sunday after a two-year hiatus.
Several councilmembers posted on social media that had they known about Bryan’s posts, they would not have voted for her to fill the position.
“Most Councilmembers would never have had this (form) if this information had been presented. We relied too much on the recommendation made by the former Councilmember,” the Councilmember said. Mike Layton tweeted.
“We need to reopen this debate.”
Of the 23 councilmembers who cast their votes, 21 voted for Bryan, including Mayor John Tory.
Earl 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 hate and bigotry should be a Toronto City Councilor, or hold any public office for that matter. This is disgraceful.”
On Friday night, Bryan released a statement announcing her resignation, saying it is the best way to continue serving those who love and support her at Etobicoke North.
Bryan said she is devastated that her previous posts online are being “thrown against my decades of commitment to the community.”
“I recognize that councilmembers were not aware of those posts prior to today’s discussion and now that they are, I recognize that many would not have cast their vote for me. I do not want to hurt everyone who supported me and I remain committed to helping my community in any and every way that I can,” she said.
In a statement, Tory said that while Bryan made a “strong case” to the council for his appointment, his previous social media posts “are not acceptable.”
“I totally disagree with any homophobic or transphobic point of view. I absolutely support our 2SLGBTQ+ residents. City councilors are expected to set an example when it comes to consistency with our shared values,” Tory said.
“I would not have voted for this appointment had I been aware of these positions and I know that is the sentiment of the vast majority of the council who also voted today.”
He said it was appropriate for Bryan to resign.
“The upset this has caused everyone involved is extremely unfortunate. This is especially unfortunate on the same weekend as we celebrate the progress we’ve made together,” Tory said, adding that she asked staff to review the overall process of appointment.
Reference-www.cp24.com