Kelowna mayor says no to anti-choice proclamations

The BC Humanist Association (BCHA) is applauding a recent decision by Kelowna’s mayor to no longer make anti-choice proclamations.

Recently, Mayor Colin Basran declined the Kelowna Right to Life Society’s request for a proclamation, stating that its proclamations will not be approved by his office if they advocate against human rights and freedoms under existing Canadian laws. The Right to Life Society had requested that Sat., Aug 27 be proclaimed “Celebrate Human Life Day.”

In their request, the Society said, “We are concerned about the recent vandalism to our billboard and the numerous, vitriolic comments assailing us. Bullying and attacks like these have no place in our community, and a proclamation by your office would send a message of tolerance and inclusiveness for everyone.”

“Given Kelowna's sordid history of mayors inserting their politics into proclamations, it's good to see the mayor stand up for human rights and equality,” said Ian Bushfield, executive director with BCHA. “We hope this commitment will extend to ensuring women's reproductive freedoms and patients' right to choose an assisted death.”

According to the Right to Life Society, the mayor's office responded with the following comments.

“Mayor Basran has declined your request for a proclamation based on our policy that proclamations are not meant to create controversy. They are issued at the discretion of the Mayor, based on criteria commonly used in other Canadian cities to support unifying local interests. Proclamations are not approved it they cover matters of political controversy, ideological or religious beliefs, matters of individual conviction, or that advocate against human rights and freedoms under existing Canadian laws.”

Executive Director Marlon Bartram reacted to the mayor’s rejection saying, “Unsurprisingly, we and all those who believe life is sacred from the moment it begins until the moment it naturally ends have been relegated to the back of the bus once again. No matter, we will continue to stand firmly in defense of our unborn brothers and sisters until the dignity of all human life is recognized and respected.”

Former mayor Walter Gray faced controversy in 1997 by the BC Human Rights Commission after he refused to proclaim gay and lesbian pride day. He was found to have discriminated against the LGBTQ community by doing so, and following the decision, he stopped issuing proclamations altogether.

When former mayor Sharon Shepherd defeated Gray in 2005 she started issuing proclamations again, including Protect Human Life Week. When Gray was re-elected in 2011, the BC Humanist Association protested that the proclamation was a religiously motivated attack on women’s reproductive freedoms.

“Gray finally proclaimed Pride Week in 2012, but continued to make anti-choice proclamations until Colin Basran was elected mayor in 2014,” continued Bushfield.

Since Basran has been in office he has worked to have inclusion in the community by introducing the rainbow sidewalks in downtown Kelowna and supporting the Okanagan Pride Society by dressing in drag for the inaugural Sugarplum Ball.