October 19 Edmonton The question of […]

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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.

All Places

Edmonton

All People

Cecil Purves Eddie Keen Don Tapscott Ivor Dent

All Organizations

Revolutionary Marxist Group RMG, Revolutionary Workers League, Communist League Gay Alliance toward Equality GATE Edmonton

All Citations

"Sea-to-sea Days of Protest Back Damien," Body Politic, no. 39 (1977–78), p. 4.Rosemary Ray, "Mayoralty Candidate Defends Gay Rights," Body Politic, no. 38 (1977), p. 20 Bob Radke, "Civic Election: Purves In," Body Politic, no. 39 (1977–78), p. 5 "Keehn Launching an All-out War on Gays: Campaign Posters Defaced," Edmonton Journal, 18 October 1977, p. 22 "Homosexual Issue Shunned," Edmonton Journal, 3 October 1977, p. 18

Graph Legend

Don Tapscott

Names

Biography

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