CALGARY – The former political strategist at the centre of a firestorm following his controversial remarks about child pornography has issued a statement, apologizing for his remarks.
Dr. Tom Flanagan, a professor at the University of Calgary, suggested people should have the freedom to look at images of child pornography, saying “I certainly have no sympathy for child molesters, but I do have some grave doubts about putting people in jail because of their taste in pictures.”
The comments, made Wednesday night, can be seen in a YouTube video posted by student Arnell Tailfeathers.
Students were audibly appalled by Flanagan’s stance, with one heard saying, “that’s disgusting!”
Flanagan made the comment when questioned about a statement he made to The Manitobian in 2009, saying “what’s wrong with child pornography – in the sense that it’s just pictures?”
He told University of Lethbridge students he doesn’t look at child pornography himself, but told an anecdote about being put on the mailing list of the “Man-Boy Love Association.”
Flanagan said the issue is one of personal liberty and questioned whether someone should be put in jail for doing something “in which they do not harm another person.”
The University of Lethbridge is distancing itself from the controversy, issuing a statement saying:
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“The University of Lethbridge does not agree with or condone Dr. Tom Flanagan’s response to an audience question at a recent public lecture on our campus. The University of Lethbridge was a venue for his public presentation, which was organized by a community group. The topic of the lecture related to changes to the Indian Act and its implications for First Nations People. Dr. Flanagan is not an employee of the University of Lethbridge.”
Politicians from across the country are condemning controversial comments made by the campaign strategist for Alberta’s Wildrose party at a speech at the University of Lethbridge.
On Thursday, Alberta’s Wildrose Party released a statement saying Flanagan would have no role with the party moving forward.
“There is no language strong enough to condemn Dr. Flanagan’s comments. Child pornography is a despicable crime that seriously harms all those involved, including the viewer,” leader Danielle Smith said in a news release.
“The viewing of child pornography first requires the production of child pornography, which causes untold suffering and abuse towards children,” added Smith. “In no uncertain terms, Wildrose condemns the production, transmission and viewing of child pornography.”
“It turned my stomach,” said Alberta Premier Alison Redford, speaking during a news conference on social policy. “I am absolutely disgusted by it. I think it’s a perfect example of people that take ideological arguments too far, and I have nothing else to say.”
Flanagan also served as an adviser to Prime Minister Stephen Harper until 2004.
Harper’s spokesman Andrew MacDougall tweeted on Thursday that Flanagan’s comments are “repugnant, ignorant, and appalling.”
On Thursday, the following statement from Flanagan appeared on CBC’s website. Flanagan has served as a frequent panelist for the network.
“I absolutely condemn the sexual abuse of children, including the use of children to produce pornography.
These are crimes and should be punished under the law. Last night, in an academic setting, I raised a theoretical question about how far criminalization should extend toward the consumption of pornography.
My words were badly chosen, and in the resulting uproar I was not able to express my abhorrence of child pornography and the sexual abuse of children.
I apologize unreservedly to all who were offended by my statement, and most especially to victims of sexual abuse and their families.”
Flanagan has been dropped from the CBC television program “Power and Politics” because of his comments.
In addition, the president of the University of Calgary released a statement regarding the remarks:
“Comments made by Tom Flanagan in Lethbridge yesterday absolutely do not represent the views of the University of Calgary. In the university’s view, child pornography is not a victimless crime. All aspects of this horrific crime involve the exploitation of children. Viewing pictures serves to create more demand for these terrible images, which leads to further exploitation of defenseless children. Tom Flanagan has been on a research and scholarship leave from the University of Calgary since January of 2013.”
The University of Calgary says Flanagan will be retiring from the school on June 30.
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