Dear Minister,
 
I have received letters, emails and phone calls from constituents regarding your recent announcement to provide funding to the Toronto Gay Pride Festival in the amount of $400,000.
 
Without exception, every constituent who has contacted me opposes this funding, as do I. Their objections are not dissimilar to mine. Our objections are not in reference to the organization, the sexual orientation of its members and supporters, or their right to seek public funding; but rather the activities associated with this event, particularly as the relate to the Annual Gay Pride Parade.
 
Minister I have never chosen to attend this event, but I have viewed broadcast news reports in the past where certain participants and activities have offended many in my riding  While I understand the personal behaviour of individual participants in the parade may be what they choose to do, I do not believe behaviours which may offend warrants the support of Canadian taxpayers, especially when the activities tend to offend legally enforceable standards of public conduct. The fact that enforcement agencies "look the other way" when such conduct is on display should not give sanction to it.  Nor should the organization receive federal funding if they cannot implement and enforce standards of conduct consistent with public decency.
 
Minister, please understand I am not stereotyping all participants in the parade and again, having not attended this event, I can only assume it is the conduct of a small minority that concerns me and my constituents. Nevertheless, as in all walks of life, someone, and in this case I believe it is the organizers, must accept responsibility for the conduct of a few.
 
Minister, I would like your response that I may share it with my constituents who have expressed their concerns.
 
I look forward to your reply,
 
Yours truly,
Bev Shipley, MP