VICTORIA – Moments ago, B.C. Conservative MLAs fled the legislative chamber to avoid voting on a motion to reject ARPA’s homophobic, anti-trans, and anti-choice views.

Earlier today, B.C. Conservative MLA Larry Neufeld claimed the motion was “a distraction” and a waste of time.

Independent MLA Elenore Sturko disagreed.

“I cannot think of a better use of time in this chamber than to stand up for the rights of British Columbians,” Sturko said. “By hosting ARPA, my former colleagues weren’t just tolerating difference. They were endorsing a world view that discriminates, that tells other British Columbians that their rights are up for debate. That erodes trust in our institutions, fosters divisions, and betrays the oath that we take as elected officials to serve everyone, not just those who share a particular faith or ideology.” (Video)

Green MLA Rob Botterell also called out the B.C. Conservative response.

“Upholding human rights is not a distraction as the member from Peace River South asserts. It is the foundation of our society, of our province,” Botterell said. “We must recognize the very real human harm caused by beliefs, such as the ones perpetrated by ARPA, that reinforce stigma and fuel discrimination. When an organization denies the humanity of others it crosses a line and it becomes a matter of public safety and public harm. A compassionate society cannot remain silent while harmful rhetoric seeks to erase the reality of others.” (Video)

ARPA considers homosexuality to be “sinful and destructive,” “morally wrong,” “disordered,” and worthy of “eternal punishment.” They are registered to lobby the province for “policies that seek to limit or regulate access to abortion” and recently made a budget submission arguing to defund abortion services in British Columbia.

B.C. Conservative MLAs Amelia Boultbee and Trevor Halford had previously denounced ARPA’s views, but did not show up to vote.

B.C. NDP MLA Rohini Arora:

“Showing up to vote and standing up for human rights are the most basic responsibilities of elected officials, and every B.C. Conservative MLA refused to do that today. It’s clear that they can’t be counted on to stand up for British Columbians. Their extreme views would take B.C. backwards.”