PM won't discipline Lukiwski for anti-gay slurs

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Monday that he won't discipline MP Tom Lukiwski for the anti-gay comments he made on a recently discovered 1991 videotape.

Meanwhile, Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall -- seen on the same video making fun of former premier Roy Romanow -- told the province's legislature he's sorry, saying "sometimes it's hard to know where you draw the line."

During Monday's question period, the prime minister told the House of Commons he believed the member's sincere apology was enough.

"It is my view that when such an apology is sought, such an apology should be accepted," said Harper, responding to Liberal and Conservative demands that Lukiwski be stripped of his role as a parliamentary secretary.

The comments surfaced last week, found on a video made 17 years ago at a Saskatchewan Progressive Conservative party office. Lukiwski, who is seen on the video calling homosexuals "faggots with dirt under their fingernails that transmit diseases," quickly apologized, saying those comments don't reflect his views now or at the time.

"The comments I made . . . should not be tolerated in any society," he told Parliament on Friday. "They should not be tolerated today. They should not have been tolerated in 1991. They should not have been tolerated in years previous to that."

The tape also shows the current Saskatchewan premier, Brad Wall, making fun of Roy Romanow, the premier at the time.

MP Bill Siksay, who first exposed the video, said the Conservative government's failure to censure Lukiwski exposes a deeper acceptance of homophobia within the party.

"As Canadians know, the Conservatives have never supported our full equality," said Siksay, who is gay. "We fear the attitude in question shows their true colours."

Siksay demanded Harper take action to prove to Canadians that such views do not reflect those held by the Conservatives. He said measures such as protecting gender identity and expression under the Canadian Human Rights Act would show the government was serious about denouncing homophobia.

"More than words, what action will the prime minister take?" Siksay said.

Although referring to Lukiwski's comments as "completely unacceptable," Harper stood his ground, saying "the generous and high-minded thing to do is accept the apology."

Harper was in Bucharest at a NATO summit when the video surfaced.

Wall apologizes to legislature

Taking the stand in Saskatchewan's legislature, Wall offered fellow members a lengthy apology, saying his behaviour in the video did not live up to the standards he has set for himself.

"I have tried to conduct myself with honesty and integrity. When I look back at things that I have said and things that I have done, I know I have not always lived up to those standards," he said. "I make mistakes still today."

The tape shows Wall making vulgar remarks about Romanow and mocking a Ukrainian accent.

"Sometimes it's hard to know where you draw the line," said Wall, admitting he sometimes pokes fun at his own German and Mennonite roots as well. "If you're not prepared to see your remarks on the 6 o'clock news, they're probably wrong. If you're not prepared to say it to the individual, it shouldn't be said."

Later Monday, Wall told CTV's Mike Duffy Live he had been imitating the uncle of his current chief of staff.

"What I was doing was saying some things that were unacceptable and I was doing it in a bad Ukrainian accent," he said.

In addition to Monday's public apology, Wall said he also sent a letter directly to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, a national organization promoting the interests of Canadians of Ukrainian heritage.

Comments are now closed for this story

SadInAB
said

It's pitiful we no longer have any sense of what is really right or wrong and that hateful comments can be trivialized just because people don't think the targeted group is worthy of their protection or defence.

If this is how the majority really feels, I am both saddened and outnumbered - and apparently naive for giving a damn about people.

Tom Hawley
said

It is funny the number of people that write this off as a "drunken party" moment. Some in the same breath say "it was 17 years ago,people change".
People would not do or say something drunk that they would not say sober. Using alcohol as an excuse is just that, an excuse.

If people can change perhaps some that post here can stop being hypocrites. Quit bashing the present Liberals for mistakes that members made in the past. That was in the past, right?

Dave
said

I have one simple question? What was the norm around that subject 17 years ago. I know in the prairies it was quite common to bash homosexuals. Nowadays, it's not and would not be tolerated. He apologized, and as far as I'm concerned it should be done.

Father of a Gay Child
said

MP Bill Siksay's refusal to accept a sincere apology for something done 17 years ago only makes him and the gay community look vengeful. Instead of recognizing and accepting the apology he is only trying to make political hay from the issue so it makes me wonder who's behaviour is more hateful.

dqdon
said

I don't get it. Doesn�t anybody understand integrity? By the age of attaining adulthood, one�s integrity is established and the offending on display occurred when Mr. Lukiwski was forty. In my opinion, Mr. Harper runs an absolute risk of losing the respect of a broad range of Canadians by supporting an individual who obviously has little integrity. People like this are a dime a dozen and worth every penny. Saying I'm sorry is for five year olds. Yes this is a hardnosed attitude but I am sick of Politicians with little integrity nosing in at the trough. Last year Mr. Bill Casey showed unquestionable personal integrity in representing his constituents and was undermined by the Provincial Premier as well as his colleagues. He paid a high price for his integrity. This year we have a scene of a grown man with little obvious integrity ranting in a disgusting manner about a segment of Canadian Society like an ignorant kid and our Prime Minister stands by his side. What is wrong with this picture? I suggest that by not resigning, Mr. Lukiwski clearly demonstrated he does not have integrity. of it

Disconcerting
said

I would like to think that an MP would have the social grace to not make such remarks, sadly I am mistaken.

Devon K.
said

I think I watch this from a pretty unique spot. I'm gay and I'm a right-wing, gun loving, Bush supporting, Tory voting kind of guy.

Lukiwski's comments are stupid but truth be told when I was in the closet I said the same things. That's just the way people thought and felt about gay men in particular back then. If you didn't talk like that people looked at you funny.

Now I'll give you a different angle. When I came out against gay marriage and against lifting the ban on gay blood donors - both issues I still oppose - I was ostricized by many of my gay friends. If you think the Tories may have members that are intolerant you've never seen the intolerance I've experienced from my own people so to speak when I dared disagree with them.

Adrian T. from Western Canada
said

Whatever!

Digging up 16 year old dirt is a little much.

My heart bleeds for the left wingers, truly it does.

As a Ukrainian Canadian, I chuckled when I saw the clips. Move on, people!

Jools
said

Is the Prime Minister even allowed to punish someone for something they did nearly two decades ago?

Also, it's just funny how the Liberals and NDP, 2 parties that never support the punishment of criminals, want the head of a man who has sincerely apologized for one mistake he made forever ago.

Give the guy a break. This has nothing to do with homophobia within the Conservative Party ranks. This has to do with petty partisanship from an opposition who can't attack this government on anything else.

shane
said

Bravo to the Prime Minister! The NDP, and particularly Bill Siksay are simply trying to maneuver this in to political gain for both the NDP and a tiny special interest group. If they are so in favor of "tolerance" and "acceptance" let them accept the man's apology and get on with running the country.

Maggie B
said

When I first heard this story I thought to myself, without knowing the MP, let it go, we all make regretable comments when we are young and stupid. But hey, give me a break - the man was 40 years old when he made these comments. "I'm sorry" doesn't cut it. Voters beware.

gerry from montreal
said

Just sincerely apologize and understand why or with what intention you spoke those words. Leave it there...we don't need more. Being a leader is not talking about it or talking about us or what we should do; it's just doing it.

Mark
said

"the simple fact of the matter is a tiger can't change its spots..."

Except this isn't actually a fact. In fact, it's far from it.

People change their opinions all the time.

If you really believe that someone can't change, then I guess you're in favor of abolishing all diversity-based programs the government currently funds, right? After all, they can't possibly change anyone's opinion so it's all just a waste of time and money, no?

Anglo Saxon 1
said

Let's look at the bigger picture. If it was upto the Liberals, NDP and gay advocacy groups, anyone who has ever made a pejorative remark about homosexuals( probably about 80 to 90% of the Canadian male population) would not be allowed to run for public office or allowed to have a job in the provincial or federal public sector. Hmmmm, fits right in with the social engineering aggenda of these Left Wing groups.

Steve
said

Prime Minister Harper made the right move, but really...what choice did he have? If every politician were stripped of their job for something they said against one interest group or another in the last 17 years, there would be no one left on Parliament Hill.

Dave
said

Saying things like "How many of YOU said things you regret 17 years ago" is an absolutely moot point - we are not public officials! We MUST hold public (especially elected) officials to higher standards than the general public! He was in public office at that time, just as he is now, and therefore, what he said then is timeless - he should be disciplined for it now, since he has gotten away with it for 17 years.

Italo Camerino
said

"Let him who is without sin cast the first stone". We all know that in politics it's always the other guy who is the guilty one.

al from calgary
said

I agree with the majority the comments were made in a drunken state of mind 17 yrs ago diffent times. If he is not to be forgiven then maybe we should change the name of Trudeau Airport in Montreal since he spent the war driving around with nazi symbols, is this what he believed when he was younger and therefore could not change his opinion, I'm surprises the libs are not distancing themselves from this, or comments Tommy Douglas made against gays way back when, but he is considered a hero to NDP. Times change people change, all you libs need to get a life and worry about what is happening now and not what was said 17 years ago

mac
said

Harper made his political calculations and made his decision to risk alienating a constituency rather than chastise a crony.

lanceanders
said

I have a few questions and a comments.

Has everyone who claims no mercy should be shown in this case ever received mercy?

Has everyone who has ever done anything wrong remembered everything that they've done wrong, let alone apologised for all those things?

Now that this issue has come to light and to those whose opinions have been cast on the side of punishing this man for something he said 17 years ago, and has apologised for, will all of you who share this opinion please step forward and remember all the wrong you've done and apologise. The rest of us will decide if we accept it or not.

Let he or she or those in transition who have never sinned cast the first stone..........

Hmmmm. Thats what I thought. My monitor didn't break.

Jim
said

The question is not whether the comments were made two decades back OR the voters will decide. The tape clearly identifies two fundamental characteristics/issues:
1. The thinking of the individuals talking about the subjects.
2. Respect towards the others community (which clearly shows they don't understand and mock them)

Definitely, if you ask any politician to clarify, they will come clean by talking.

They are sorry now, because there job is on the line. Only, true apology is -- get off of the face of Canadians they mock(ed) every day

Stephanie
said

The juxtaposition between Harper's visit to Auschwitz and his (lack of) reaction to the Lukiwski scandal is very interesting, and the fact that he refuses to see the parallel between the two is also quite revealing. Jews were not the only ones persecuted by the Nazis; homosexuals were also persecuted and executed because of their identity. Jews were forced to wear yellow stars, and homosexuals were forced to wear pink triangles. Watching Harper kneel before the Auschwitz memorial and acknowledge the "unspeakable cruelty, horror and death" that it exemplifies, at the same time that he dismisses such hateful comments against homosexuals made by a member of his party makes me sick.

JJ
said

If it was something recent, that would be one thing, but to discipline someone for something they did 17 years ago would be a bit much.

Interesting that Siksay is also lumping 'gender identity' issues in with gay issues. Is he saying that all trans-gendered people are gay?

Protecting 'gender expression rights' in law would mean that any man who simply says "I'm really a woman" could not be legally barred from any woman-only facility. Somehow I doubt that women would be too pleased with that idea.

RRO
said

You can't punish someone for something they did 17 years ago. Times change and people change. He stood up in the house and apologized.

Canada now as same sex marriages and many other rights, times have changed.

This is simply the Liberals attempt to bring forward an old issue to distract from their current problems.

Doug BC
said

It's the right way to go. Like most other unbiased posters,I agree that an alcohol enhanced rant made 17 years ago is no excuse to punish someone for a lifetime.Voters sould decide whether or not his presence in the house is beneficial enough to overlook his lack of judgement.
After all, it was the late and great Tommy Douglas who maintained we should help gays overcome their "mental illness".
This is about political correctness more than anything else. The opposition is grasping for issues to defeat the government over.
As a former Liberal,I can assure them, bad mouthing Mr.Harper is not enough to get my vote back.Get with it Mr.Dion.You need newer and better policies that don't mimick the NDP's leftist nonsenses.

Tony
said

Once again, the Reform/Alliance/Conservative true colours are coming out.

Terry G
said

If one were to reprimand every politician who made regretful statements 17 years ago, every single one of them would have to stand in line.

bruno
said

Harper's actions just reaffirm the Conservatives social conservatism. It just reaffirms why they do not deserve a majority.

Steve G
said

The majority of the comments posted above are fully following the script I suspected they would. The Conservative apologists are, of course, citing that these comments are 17 years old, however, the fact is that the MP was 40 years old when he said them-much different than the same comments being made if he was still a teenager bowing to peer pressure.

I was about 20 years old at the same time as these comments were made (and therefore much less 'mature')-but I would never have vented so much hatred against any minority group at the time-regardless of my liquor consumption, and he hardly redeemed himself with his "slippery slope" comments.

It is hardly suprising that the electorate is so distrustful of Harper and the Conservatives when you consider his Reform/Alliance background combined with the muzzling of his MP's. What can be expected when the only thing we hear from elected Conseverative MP's is disgusting commentary like Lukiwski's

I don't have to agree with homosexuality !
said

Some of these posters are outraged because as one poster wrote:

"...he still considers differing sexual orientation as an aberration to be feared and reviled".

That is perhaps his view and he is ENTITLED to his view. Who are these people who try to deny how somebody else thinks or what their beliefs are?

These social engineers are a scary crowd.

Marty
said

I don't agree with Same-sex marriage, though I do have to say that one cannot condone what Mr.Lukiwski said. Yet it's OK for people to bash Christians in which people say hateful things, but yet nothing ever happens to them as discipline and has become a trend. Do I see a double standard, I sure do.To the people who are misinformed remember this, in 2001 or around that time the House of Commons voted against same-sex marriage including all parties and even in the last vote on that issue many Liberals voted against it. I find it really hard to punish someone for what they've done or said almost two decades ago, if this would have happened at this point in time, I can assure you that discipline would have followed. To the people who say this just shows the true colors of the government, well I think those people already have to much hatred to think any other way.

Brett
said

This isn't real life, this is politics. It's irrelevant that Lukiwski has apologized, or if that apology is sincere, or that the incident happened 17 years ago when he was part of a different government. Harper should fire him, because to do otherwise makes Harper appear like he agrees with the comments. I'm sure Lukiwski would realize it's all part of the political game, and that he needs to take a bullet for the team. Yes, we've all said dumb things we are now ashamed of, but we don't all hold politcal offices, and the same rules that apply to you and me do not apply to an MP. There is already the impression that the Harper government is insensitive to minority interests, and his refusal to do anything in this situation doesn't help. Harper lost the opportunity to score here, and worse, has reenforced the impression that his party is ripe with right-wing fundamentalist nut-jobs praying for the Endtime, and that he himself is a rookie that lacks real understanding of political reality.

Josh T
said

Paul: "His comments were beneath the dignity of the House of Commons. By removing him from the Privy Council (thus also removing the title "Honourable" from his name)"

Parliamentary Secretaries are not members of the Privy Council thus Mr Lukiwski does not have the title the honourable.

Northern Ontario Dave
said

I'm not even sure why I keep trying to post, but here goes...

Will anything less than a public stoning please the "Looney Left" on this issue?

By allowing this issue drag on, all we do is reduce the number of potential leaders in this country who would otherwise stand up and attempt to run this country - only because of something stupid they said many many years ago. Would Mackenzie King, Sir John A. or countless other forbearers of this country stood a chance in the "Smear-light" of armchair politicians?

And besides, isn't this a case of people being intolerant of a person's opinion? I thought freedom of conscience, religion etc. were protected rights of ALL, not just special interest groups (AKA Looney Lefties)

And again, I doubt you will post...

Brian
said

Being gay myself, I don't feel this is a big deal. Sure the comments weren't ones a politician wants to associate themselves with but we've all made comments we're not proud of, espicially under the influence.

PJ
said

Wow. The conservatives lost my vote.

BEWARE of the Thought Police !!
said

I want to say up front that I TOTALLY disagree with homosexual behaviour as much as I disagree with the comments made by this MP.

Does that mean I should be punished also because I reject homosexual behaviour?

It is a slippery slope when special interest groups try to muzzle free speech and even worse when they try to control your thought life.

Canadians have cowered to the special interest groups who hide behind the mantra of being "politically correct".

So much of this political correctness isn't so much about being correct as it is about gagging free speech.

Harper was 100% correct to acknowledge these comments were wrong. He also recognized they were made 17 years ago and you don't discipline the man who has already been punished enough for his own wayward comments.

CM
said

The real bigots and hate mongers here are the people who refuse to accept this mans sincere apology. If he were a Liberal Mr. Dion would stand in the house and say the same dam thing as well he shold. But becuase this guy is a Conservative the small minded socialists in our country can't leave well enough alone. An apology was demanded and one was given, let's turn the other cheek shall we?

I am a proud card carrying conservative who does not support the comments uttered 17 years ago but I also do not accept that as a Conservative I must be painted as a gay bashing redneck as the NDP would have us all portrayed.

Leave well enough alone and move on!

Brian from Barrie
said

Good to see some people know it is time to give this up. As for the rest of you Liberals out there....give it a rest. The man said "faggot" over 16 years ago, you know what.... a lot of people said "faggot" 16 years ago. Maybe his views have changed. I would have been devestated if I found out one of my buddies were gay 16 years ago, but now I couldn't care less because I have knowledge about the issue. Remember when the fear mongering was about wondering who was gay and maybe they have aids and maybe I could get aids if they touch me or even breath on me. Now we know better. This man apologized to use about it, at least he didn't say� did not have sexual relations' with an intern, or is that apology more acceptable.
Let the man get on with his life and job and let the people decide if they want him back. The man wasn't even an MP then.
Enough said, lets get the economy rolling again.

Daniel Paul
said

I'm gay and have been out since I was 15, and I'm 26 years old now. When I was 15 I joined the Reform Party. And I have been a gay Conservative for 11 years now, an openly gay conservative. Speaking on my experience, my work with the conservative movement at Provincial and Federal levels in Ontario and B.C. I can say that Tom Lukiwski comments are not of common nature by the exceeding majority of Conservatives. We have more going on in our country to waste time in Question Period for multiple MPs to request his resignation. Be effective, as a question for accountability or some that will drive the whole house to be more innovative. More importantly, move on.

Some Canadian
said

While Mr. Lukiwski didn't need to be punished, the honourable thing for him to have done was resign and then stand for re-election and let his constituents decide. If the voters of his Regina riding thought he was representing them well, he would win re-election easily. Why not resign and let the people decide if the comments in question were offensive?
It shouldn't matter WHEN the comments were made, the effects of creating and spreading false stereotypes like Mr. Lukiwski do still have an effect. How many people out there after hearing his comments in 2008 believe in what he says? How many people think that gays and lesbians are 'disease carriers' and are somehow repulsed by them?
Although Mr. Lukiwski said them, the media is to blame in spreading the questionable comments in the public domain.

Mike L
said

Is this how desperate the opposition is?

James
said

I wonder which MP or which of us has said something long ago that we regret having said.

Perhaps the NDP or Liberals have saints in their caucuses? Either that or a massive superiority complex?

James

Mike in Mississauga
said

This is really being taken too far now.
Bill Siksay you should be ashamed of yourself. At this point you should simply accept his apology, as it was genuine, and get on with it.

There are more productive things you should spend your time on.
I'm sure if someone dug through your closet they would find some interesting stuff.

One should never tempt fate. I think most people would agree.

Gary Wilson
said

The fact that a man with this kind of prejudice and ignorance made it into the Conservative party and--even more shockingly--that Harper has actually chosen to support him speaks volumes about the extreme, and at times perverse, ideology of this new neo-Consrvative movement.

Bob Loblaw
said

"MP Bill Siksay, who first exposed the video, said the Conservative government's failure to censure Lukiwski exposes a deeper acceptance of homophobia within the party."

It is stupid, idiotic generalizations like this which further the partisan divisions and subsequent lack of utility of the house. This is not and should not be news. We all have skeletons in the closet. Let's grow up a bit and deal with actual politics...

GR
said

Completley unacceptable?Actions speak louder than words.

Louise
said

It is amazing how Bill Siksay, who first accepted Lukiwski's apology and commented that he thought it was "heartfels and sincere" is now using the incident, I am sure at the insistence of Layton, to demand a whole pile of new "rights" for the Gay/Lesbian community. I find that quite offensive.

Tim
said

"The generous and high-minded thing to do" is not for us to accept the apology but for Harper's government to show that they are not homophobic.

Debbie
said

Why on earth would Harper need to disipline Lukiwski? The comments were made 16 years ago and have nothing to do with his job at present. The fact that the opposition is even suggesting that he be punished is ridiculous! He has apologised. End of story. Let it go!

William
said

Pm Harper, a true leader, has just put this fake Lukiwsky scandal into its proper perspective.
Perhaps he thinks Lukiwsky's views from 1991 should be forgiven, just as Dion's seperatist leanings and speeches from 1991 have been.

Ray Olson
said

Mr. Lukiwski has made an apology to everyone concerned. The P.M. is correct, move on. I heard some of the Liberals make comments a few years back, stating that they would never support same sex marriages, but have now changed their position on the subject.

Henry, Calgary
said

How many of you that point fingers now said something 17 years ago that you're ashamed of? Oh, just because it wasn't caught on tape, does that make it matter less? Give it a rest already. Trying to make political hay at the expense of someone else's mistake shows how low you can go. Remember, he who throws dirt loses ground. THe Prime Minister has done the right thing by putting the matter to bed. It's time to take the high road on supposed political advantage.

Matthew
said

It's no wonder our great leader (who tried so hard to deny gays the rights to be on par with the average straight folk) would decide not to lay down a punishment for anti-gay behaviour...

Paul on Vancouver Island
said

Conservatives' attitude toward minorities, in particular the "gay" community, is well known, witness their attitude when a World Aids conference was held in Canada and their reluctance to accept Gay Marriage and equality in Canadian Society.

The least Mr. Harper could do is suspend Mr. Lukiwski, the Conservative Saskatchewan MP, from his Secretary of State duties for a period of at least one year. That would at least send a message to Canadians that bigotry and disrespect towards others is not acceptable in Canada.

It is this cavilier attitude of the PM that leads to "gay bashing" incidents in this country.

Laurie
said

And so it should be considered closed. You cannot rewrite history no matter how hard you try. The remarks were unacceptable by today's standards, they were not unacceptable in 1991 and try as you might you cannot punish someone in hindsight.

Richard Wolfe
said

I agree. He has apologized in public and the H of C. And thats that.

Louise
said

That is the correct action to take. The man has sincerely apologized twice. People change as they get older. Mistakes are in the past and serve to teach you not to repeat them. I am sure he has learnt and that should be sufficient. If the opposition wants to score points on the back of gay people, that is their choice, but it is digusting. But Harper is right: the matter is closed. The next election will show us who is right or wrong, and that is as it should be.

IT Manager in Calgary
said

So the comments were "unacceptable", but there will be no disciplinary action? I'm sorry, but I think that is sending a message that gay bashing is acceptable. Given Harper's history in Parliament, tring to block ANY and ALL legislation to do with gays and their rights, that this comes as no surprise. I was also thinking that if a Liberal had made these remarks, Harper would be stopping at nothing to use this as a slight against the Party in question... but then again, a Liberal would never make comments like those made by Lukiwski, so I guess we Liberals will never have to worry about it.

Rod R
said

Give it a rest! .... apologies have been made... let the government move on to far more important issues. I think most adults have done and said things in their younger years that they would not repeat today.

Adam Bowslaugh
said

It's interesting to see that a government that came to power on the promise of accountability doesn't think accountability should involve its own members. While the tape is old, and I don't doubt that, the comments were still offensive and keeping the man responsible for them in the Prime Minister's inner circle shows that the government does not care about who it offends.

Lillian
said

Give it a rest! It was 17 years ago and he has made a sincere apology. Probably there are other members of all political stripes who have made questionable comments ,also in the past, and some not so far in the past. There are important issues that need the politicians attention. Time to let this one go.

G
said

Typical actions that were expected. This was not handled in a very good way. If I or anyone were to say comments like that we could very well be FIRED from the job for harrasment. Now this will come back during election time and bite someone in the rump.

Denis P
said

Even the NDP had the moral sense to back off on Lukiwski. The Liberals however, had no moral sense and piled on.
As the PM said, these comments are unacceptable, but if we can't even accept an apology, Canada is in real trouble.
To say the Liberals used this as a purely partisan measure, speaks volumes on the integrity of the Liberal Party.
Oh, didn't a former Liberal MP (Wappel??) also say something as terrible?
People who live in glass house, shouldn't throw stones.
Good job PM Harper, the man has suffered enough, and will continue to suffer.

Frank Buchan
said

Not necessarily a wise political choice, but probably the right decision. Let the voters in his riding pass judgement in the next election. That would be the appropriate venue.

Scott
said

Many news reports state that "gay groups" are calling for Tom Lukiwski's resignation.

I am gay, and my gay friends with whom I have discussed this, all believe that - while reprehensible and extremely offensive - the remarks were made many years ago and Mr. Lukiwski gave a very sincere apology, so the apology should be accepted and the matter dropped.

Why are there no reports on the gay groups who are calling for the apology to be accepted? Why do we all get painted with the same brush?

why cant we all just get along......
said

Just wait until the year 2040 when the people who will be running this country are from the digital/facebook/youube/myspace generation. The stuff that you will be able to dig up on them will be great! Kids these days that are between 10 and 25 years old are recording everything that they say and do for posterity's sake. We have all said stupid stuff in the past, when we were you - why can't we just let it be? Granted, this guy Tom is in in the House of Commons and should be held to a higher standard, but if we got rid of all MP's that had done or something stupid in their youth, we would be left with no one.......
Lets let voters decide in the next election whether this guy should stay or go.

Doug
said

This type of slur reminds us all of the intolerance we were used to from the old reform party. While I agree that the apology was sincere, Harper must state he disagrees with the remarks in the strongest language possible. Otherwise his silence, in my mind, is tantamount to support.

Bart F.
said

For the shamelessly partisan and relentlessly self righteous any punishment for Lukiwski will never be enough.

Roger T
said

It's not a surprise! Typical of the Conservative party not to discipline their own members but yet will blame and focus on other parties mistakes.

Clean up the internal mess, it only shows to the world that the Canadian Gov't has poor internal problems yet here is Harper scolding and giving speaches to other nations on human rights! Which kind of explain why no one cares on what is said by him.

Jason H.
said

Typical Conservative approach. "He's apologised so the matter is closed." Just the perfect way to avoid supporting the LGBT community, or even admitting that the remarks were hateful and bigoted.

The Conservative Party is one big closet-case when it comes to their anti-human-rights approach to sexualities in Canada. This incident and Harper's approach have 'outed' the Conservatives once again as the authoritarian social police they are.

Harper's relative silence on this issue speaks volumes. Let's keep the government out of the bedrooms (and Justice of the Peace offices) of the nation, by keeping bigots out of office.

Tom Dorn
said

I see this as something more mature than just sweeping something under the rug or taking out the trash to hide a smear. Who here can honestly say that theyhave 100% complete control over what they say when inebriated? You cannot control people's private thoughts nor punish them for it. I do not deny what he said was offensive and rude, but who here can honestly say they have never expressed themselves when under the influence in a 'seemingly' private area? If he were sober, sure, boot him... Sure, the public can hold a grudge over this guy for a drunken slur muttered over a decade and a half ago, but if that was the case, I'm sure no one would be qualified to run the country. So, that said, if people are going to blame the Prime Minister for not kicking Lukiwski out of Parliament for something he said 17 years ago while drunk and not even a member of today's Conservate Party as we know it, then go ahead, but remember.. don't throw stones when you yourself live in a glass house. ;)

Derek
said

Shame on Mr. Harper. I understand Mr. Lukiwski apologized and I believe him. Nevertheless, the government needs to show Canadians that it does not condone such beliefs and will not stand for this type of hurtful language. This issue is no longer about Lukiwski, but the issue of homophobia itself.

Would the government take action if it was anti-semitism rather than homophobia?

Ivan
said

I'm glad Harper didn't do anything. His lack of action shows his true feeling on the matter.

- an attitude that will eventually cost him any chance at a majority in the future and that's a good thing.

Low life political tactics.....
said

Tom Lukiwski has apologized.

NOW, lets see the NDP apologize to working Canadians for lowering the standards of Canadian politics by introducing this sort of smear tactic ..ALL FOR TWISTED POLITICAL GAIN at the expense of one man's career.

Jack Layton, Libby Davies etc should should be ashamed of themselves for dealing in this kind of muck...
but they won't be.

david
said

Appropriate decision. I believe everybody is guilty of stupid remarks, anti-gay, racist, anti-female, anti-male. We are human and make slips of the tongue, later regrettable.
Move on!

Ian-Milton
said

Let's not have another 100+ comments going around the mountain again.

Bible-believing Christians like myself get put down in the media nearly everyday on topics ranging from our stands on abortion, same-sex marriage, evolution and more.

Let's get on with life!

Chris
said

I'm glad no discipline is being given. Harper is defending Canada's values of forgiveness. 16 years is plenty of time for people to change. Maybe we all need to take a look at the Canadian value of forgiveness, yes I'm talking to all you who did not accept Mr. Lukiwski's apology.

Mark
said

I'm no fan of Harper or Tom Lukiwski. However his apology seemed sincere. You could say he was apologising because he got caught, however I'd bet he had forgotten about the "boozy party" and his comments. I don't remember every bad things I've said over the last 5 years let alone 17 years.

I say we need to move on and let the voters of Regina deal with him.

There are minions with negative views of voters in both the parties. Conservative have this guy, Liberals have the beer and popcorn guy. I myself was taken back by both.

Jim in the West
said

Its good to see that Harper is finally showing his true Reform colors.

It is sad, but this will cost him the majority he so desperate seeks. The cities will never trust him.

Typical
said

Why would Harper do anything, he accepts those beliefs. This was a 40 year old in policitics on camera making these slurs. This could have been an opportunity by Harper to be seen as progressive. Remove Lukiski as Secretary and sit as a backbencher until an election in the next 6 months. Easy 6 month penalty. Would have been seen as decisive and reasonable. To not do anything, condones the comments with a simple apology.

Weak oppositions will not pounce on this.

Mike Webster
said

Why people are making a big deal over stupid, drunken remarks made 17 years ago is beyond me. This isn't a significant issue by any stretch of the imagination and yet some people were actually suggesting that the leader of our country should interrupt an important overseas visit to comment on it. It simply defies logic. This is no worse than that Liberal MP who called for Mulroney to be hanged - something that the media almost completely ignored.

Shawn E
said

Want to bet if I broadcast a video of me calling the Conservative Party of Canada including their leader Mr Harper: 'a bunch of anti-semitic, misogynist, racist, homophobic, war mongers that spreading hatred and disease by their simple presence in Parliament', that they'd not let it rest with a simple apology...

Kevin Hatt
said

Prime Minister Harper is doing absolutely nothing.

His comments in the house of Parliment did not dissagree or repudiate the offensive comments, only that they were uttered.

His Goverments' inaction, is tacit agreement to the sentiments expressed and are reflected in recent statements and votes against equality.

Theo
said

I don't care what anyone says, things were different 17 years ago. Most people at that time grew up when homosexuality was illegal and human rights legislation made no specific mention of gay rights. At that time gay marriage wasn't even on the radar and hate crime laws didn't apply to this sort of thing.

Does this make his comments any better? No of course not.

Fact is that society has changed over the last couple of decades and along with that people have become more accepting of gay lifestyles. To condemn the man for comments, made in private at a party where liquor was being consumed, 17 years ago is a little over the top. I bet everyone who reads this or comments has said something stupid or hurtful in their lifetimes.

DEFSask
said

The MP in question has already suffered the right sort of discipline: having to repeatedly and publicly apologize for remarks made in a private setting 17 years ago. That he was stupid and irresponsible, as was everyone else involved in the affair, is without question. That anyone should expect that his subsequent public behaviour and work as a politician should be terminated is ridiculous and political grandstanding at its worst! Not one of us can say that we have not said or done equally outrageous things in our past, and which we are glad are open to the scrutiny of the world. Politicians in Canada need to clean up their act publicly in the various houses of assembly, where their behaviour is so bad that it would not be tolerated in a kindergarten class. And we need to get down to the serious business of monitoring and judging the behaviour of our various governments -- using their performance as the standard, not a juvenile, 17-year-old videotape.

CON JOB
said

Wow, I bet even the conservative web trolls who post hilarious stuff like "I'm a former liberal, and I think this government is golly gosh great!" won't be able to find a way to spin this one.

Shawn Bull
said

Nor should he be disciplined. The comments are 17 years old, have been followed up with two apologize and backed by a Conservative Party that states it does not support these comments.

I know my views on a number of issues have changed over 17 years, why not Tom Lukiwski's?

Garry
said

Well done, PM. If the comments were worthy of all the foaming at the mouth we've seen from the NDP the tape wouldn't have been made public. They're just trying to score political points by promoting hatred.

Victor
said

Recession, global warming, health care, and job losses to free trade.........but the big issue by our elected parliament is about a guy that made a mistake 17 years ago and has since apologized.

I wonder how long they will waste with this non election issue ?

To their credit the NDP has moved on, but if the Liberals continue losing time with stuff that doesn't help them get elected it will be a cake walk for the Conservatives come the next election.

Bill Gerdson
said

Not a surprising decision by Mr. Harper knowing the double standard he rules this country with. Tom Lukiwski is let off the hook with an apology while David Ahenakew is stripped of his clothes and sent out to sea on a iceberg. There must be fine print in the Conservative's Accountibility Act that I didn't see

paul
said

Mr. Harper must strip Tom Lukiwski of his role as a parliamentary secretary. His comments were beneath the dignity of the House of Commons. By removing him from the Privy Council (thus also removing the title "Honourable" from his name) , Harper would be sending a clear message that his offensive homophobic comments aren't welcome.

Yes, these comments were recorded 17 years ago, but let us not also forget that Tom Lukiwski has made more recent statements (as recently as 2005, when he compared same-sex marriage to polygamy) that show his true colours.

Lukiwski may be sorry, but Harper is just sorry he got caught. The Conservatives haven't changed a bit -- they're just keeping quiet while they work towards a majority government.

Let's not give them one.

EGYMAN40
said

Good for Mr.Harper.

Alan Howard
said

This just goes to show that Harper agrees with what was said. He has the same views and therefore will not disipline the MP. If he was a true leader and a good human being he would take him to task about these remarks. This is going to cost him and the party many many votes.

Carrot
said

Honestly, this DOES surprise me...i thought harper was smarter.

But you have to give it to Harper...you can't deny the fact that he is showing Canadians exactly what the Conservative Party stands for....(or against). I hope everyone clues in.

Daniel
said

I agree with Harper. Lukiwski apologized and he obviously meant it. It's time for all of us to learn from this and move on.

Intelligent Kris
said

Good! This whole situation is ridiculous. It was 16 years ago people. People's views and opinions change, and even IF his original comments are sincere, assuming that this is his current view point on the matter 16 years later with no additional evidence is irresponsible. Obviously what he said was wrong, obviosuly he screwed up, and no one is arguing that, but use some intelligence. 16 years ago I was 12. Should i still be ostracized because of the actions i made then?

Feel free to be upset, and mad, and angry. But also use some intelligence in the matter also. This was blown way too out of proportion.

Scott H.
said

I agree with PM Harper on this one. The comments were offensive and unacceptable, yet the offending MP has apologized thoroughly and profusely. These were comments made long before Harper's leadership, the Conservative Party of Canada, or even the Alliance for that matter.

Harper made the right move... condemn the comments, not the man.

Jeff S.
said

Way to go Prime Minister Harper. It's good to see you didn't cave in to the special interests who are only out to smear you and the Conservative Party in whatever course of action you might take.

There are a number of anti-American, anti-Semitic and anti-Christian bigots in the opposition parties who never face the kind of heat the Conservatives do for this sort of thing.

Maybe the pendulum will finally swing back to the middle now that this sort of nonsense is drying up.

Chris
said

Why does this story still have life? The man made stupid remarks 17 YEARS AGO and has sincerely apologized...case closed!

Craig
said

Again, if you are calling for Lukiwski's head 17 years after the fact, I had better not find out that 20 years ago you were calling things "gay" when you meant they were dumb.

People today still do that in my office. I suppose they should be fired as well.

Comedians still use the word "gaylord" as an insult. I hope you aren't laughing at them now, nor laughed back then.

Lukiwski apologized, even Craig Oliver called it one of the most heartfelt apologies he's seen; the story is dead.

Ray
said

We already know Harper's stance on the gay and lesbian issue on the marriages, so needless to say he can say it's unacceptable to say those comments, but really in reality, his stance is quite clear.

Not Surprized!
said

Of course not. Why should he discipline Lukiwski over something like that? Of course Lukiwski regrets his comments but did nothing to apologize to the LGBTQ community directly. What integrity this man has. He was more sorry that he almost lost his job than the hate that came from his mouth.

moran mcmahon
said

PM Harper is correct in his action. This is just another case of the gay community trying to push their agenda of full recognition for their lifestyle.

Tom
said

If we were to hypothetically change it from an anti-gay slur, to a racist or sexist slur, I'm sure the reaction from the Prime Minister would be much different.

This just shows that the gay rights movement does not, and should not, end with gay marriage. We still have a long way to go in this country.

Ken
said

I saw the tape. Lukiwski looked like he had consumed a few brown pop's and made a stupid remark. That was 17 year's ago. He admitted his stupidity. What has been his track record since then? Is this a pattern? If not then get over it.

Robin
said

I hope that Harper's inaction regarding this matter will come back to haunt him in the next election. The decision not to censure his MP sends a message to greater society that the government condones homophobia. The Conservative Party of Canada is the nothing more than the Reform Party in more expensive suits.

Steve
said

Just so I understand this - the comments made by Lukiwski were when he was a member of the PROVINCIAL conservatives, right? So why in the world is it the responsibility of the federal Conservatives to do anything? If Lukiwski had made these comments while sitting as a federal MP, that would be a different story entirely. But that is not the case here. I mean, where does it end? What if Lukiwski had made the comments at a frat party while he was in university? Would anyone suggest he should be reprimanded by the federal Tories over that?

Matt
said

This is disgusting. How transparent are Stephen Harper and his conservatives? If this hatred had been directed at a different minority group- black people or Jewish people, for example- this would almost certainly not have been an acceptable course of action to take. The message here is that it's more okay to pick on certain groups than others, and that is wrong.

GetOverItAlready
said

People, it happened 17 years ago. I'm not excusing his remarks, they were horrible to say the least. But these remarks have nothing to do with this current Conservative Government. The man apologized profusely for his ignorance in his past, it's time to move on to other more important issues facing our Great Country right now.

Besides, who else hasn't said something in the distant past, and feels ashamed of it? Live and learn, he has. It's time for those who are dirt digging - to do the same.

Tim
said

Hmmm. Harper's decision will do nothing except reinforce to the majority of Canadians that Conservative Party is not to be given a majority government. I think they can say goodbye to the urban vote.

Thought from someone in Saskatchewan
said

I'm sorry, once someone says something and sure you can apologize, who determines if it was sincere, the person can say he sincerely apologizes, does he mean it. Can Lukiwski go out there and invite gay and lesbian people and hang out with them say for a good 2 weeks and not make any type of comment afterwards every single day. I mean it would be ridiculous to put Mr. Lukiwski on a reality t.v. show like that, but really who does determine a sincere apology. I can understand in business if something was done wrong, and you apologize for it and take care of any inconvenience it has caused and own up to it great, but how do you take away hurtful comments even if you do say sorry. Yes people can change, but did he apologize in 1991 and if not, what took him so long that it had to take a tape from back then to make him do so. That's 17 years to say sorry and now expect us believe he's a changed person. I think he should get turfed, the conservatives would have given no less leniency to the liberals, why the double standard now?

J.G.
said

So what if he won't discipline him. Yes, they were words that should have never been said, but he apologized. Furthermore, it was almost 17 years ago, Peoples views change.

Ron
said

Good. Can we move on now and concentrate on Health Care and the Economy?

John
said

Not smart. I'm personally a Conservative supporter but you can't let your MPs get away with this stuff, if only because of the Tory reputation on same sex issues.

truthseeker
said

This has nothing to do with Stephen Harper, it shouldn't be his responsibility to repair Lukiwski's reputation. It shouldn't be used against him. Let the people of Saskatchewan decide where there politics will go.

Bob H
said

I agree with the PM. This happend many years ago. He has apologized, to all concerned and publicly as well. I would say that should be enough. The opposition just want to grandstand as usual. Let's stick to more important uissues like the running of the country, economy, the air pollution etc.

Martin Walker
said

Please..the comment was made over 17 years ago.

Our country is falling apart, a recession is near, health care is getting worse, etc, etc, etc..

But..our great politicians are worried about a comment made 17 years ago.

Is it a big surprise the country is taking a dive???

ance
said

Social tolerance and the Conservatives perceived lack of it have always been a big stumbling block for me and many other Canadians when it comes to supporting them.

Just recently Tom Lukiwski sighted that tired old "slippery slope" argument against same sex marriage which to me demonstrates that he still considers differing sexual orientation as an aberation to be feared and reviled.

That combined with these recently revealed comments from his past tells me all I need to know...
Its the old 40 year old leopard changing his spots argument...can he really have CHANGED... or is any illusion of change a mask for their true nature.

Now Harper says "sure your remarks were offensive and unacceptable but it's OK Tom, we're not going to do anything"...

it reads to me like he simply said what the rest of the party are thinking...

Lorne
said

So he approves then!! That figures. He currently has a minority government. Think of what we would be up against if he ever attains a majority. Canadians, be careful how you vote in the next election.

Appropriate response by the PM
said

I don't think the Prime Minister is under any obligation to "discipline" an MP whose comments were made nearly two decades ago.

Those who are calling for this man's head are self serving hypocrites who ought to remove the beam from their own eye.

The apology was made and this issue is over. Get on with life or get a life.

Marsha
said

It is sad that these comments were made - but to discipline someone 17 years later for something he said at a drunken party by demoting him or some such measure - come on! I expect most of us have made rude comments or gestures in the past that we now regret having made. Luckily there isn't always a video camera running or a lot of us would be in trouble. Why does this tape surface now? Who dug it out and why? The world was a lot different 17 years ago and people can change. He apologized - so let the matter be put to rest.

Steve
said

Lukiwsi's comments in 1991 were intolerant and ignorant. But Harper cannot and should not set a precedent for punishing elected officials over comments made before they were a Conservative MP. It is up to the voters in Lukiwsi's riding to fire him next election.

DD
said

Just goes to show where the Conservative's priorities are. It may have been said years ago, but the simple fact of the matter is a tiger can't change its spots...and people who say such bigoted things rarely see the light.

Aric
said

Just another example of the liberals wasting time and our tax money. This slur was 17 years old. Imagine being disciplined at your OWN office for a remark you made drunk when you were younger.

Peoples views also change as they get older.

This matter deserves to be closed.

Eric
said

Look. What the guy said was wrong and it was repulsive. Are we not supposed to give people the benefit of the doubt for their mistakes? We don't hand out life sentences for every crime, do we? Everyone shows bad judgement at some point in their lives. He apolgised for it. If he shows error in judgement going forward, then take him to task.

bunny
said

I agree with him.I have said things over time that I am ashamed of.I am wondering though.About this moral high ground.If I found a video. I would try and find the owner of said video.I wouldnt view it.!! tsk tsk

Andrew
said

WHO CARES!!!!! It was 17 years ago.

gord
said

Good. Let's get back to actually governing. Isn't that what we elected these people to do anyway???

Bill
said

Let the voters decide if they want to keep him. That's why we have elections and there will be one very soon.

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WARNING: Graphic language, viewer discretion is strongly advised. 1991 videotape showing Tom Lukiwski.

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