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October 19 Edmonton The question of […]
When
1977-10-19
Description
October 19 Edmonton The question of gay rights was raised at several all-candidate meetings leading up to the Edmonton civic election, held October 19. Members of GATE (Edmonton) were active in polling candidates on rights for gays and lesbians. Dr. Ivor Dent, an independent candidate and former mayor, publicly declared his support for a municipal by-law that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in civic employment. Don Tapscott, representing the Revolutionary Workers' League (RWL), consistently defended the rights of gay people throughout the campaign. Another candidate, Eddie Keehn, was a militant Christian who called for the closure of gay clubs and the firing of gay and lesbian city employees. Cecil Purves, who declared that the protection of the rights of gay workers at City Hall was not a proper concern for municipal government, won the election.
