WEYBURN, Sask. – A group of residents in Weyburn are concerned about an American anti-gay speaker making a stop in their community.
The Saskatchewan Pro-Life Association has invited Peter LaBarbera to its convention in Weyburn next weekend to speak about the “homosexual agenda” in America and how it applies to life issues.
“We all grew up in Weyburn and we all have young families growing up in Weyburn. We want Weyburn to be a place where differences are ok,” said Regan Lanning with the group Intolerance Free Weyburn.
The group started a petition on the website change.org asking the Saskatchewan Pro-Life Association to rescind its invitation to Peter LaBarbera. On Thursday, their online petition had more than 800 signatures.
“This type of opinion will spread if it’s allowed to go unchecked,” said Chris Brookes, co-founder of the group.
“We’ve always been very outspoken with our kids about sharing with them, acceptance and love. That’s always of upmost importance,” said Bailey Brookes. “If it takes a community to raise a family, I want my family being raised in the right community.”
Peter LaBarbera said he has no plans to cancel his appearance and is not backing down amid the criticism.
“It’s a culture war. That’s what they call it,” said LaBarbera via phone from Detroit. “There’s not much of a middle ground for gay activists and concerns. We oppose homosexuality on a moral basis. I don’t apologize for that.”
The Saskatchewan Pro-Life Association defends its assertion that there’s a the link between homosexuality and abortion.
“Each convention is an opportunity to dig deeper and address all the sociological factors leading to the abortion mentality,” said Marcy Millette, president of the Saskatchewan Pro-Life Association. “So there is a connection, we’re just not 100 per cent sure yet. That’s why we’re studying this.”
The Weyburn city council granted the pro-life group $1,000 to host the conference but the mayor says it’s reconsidering.
“This is a very passionate issue for a lot people,” said Weyburn Mayor Debra Button. “A lot of people, by their own admission, tell me that they are pro-life. They’re just concerned about this speaker.”
The group Intolerance Free Weyburn plans to protest both days of the convention.
Comments