EDMONTON — Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith says she is bewildered by the controversy surrounding anti-gay comments made by one of her election candidates.
Smith says every party has candidates with differing viewpoints, but they all are expected to follow party policy.
She says the Wildrose, if it wins next Monday’s election, will not introduce legislation on contentious social issues.
Smith was reacting to a 2011 blog from Edmonton candidate Allan Hunsperger, who said public schools are godless and that gays will burn in hell.
Premier Alison Redford has condemned the remarks and suggests they may represent beliefs within the Wildrose.
Smith says Redford has been hypocritical, promising on one hand to run a campaign on issues, then indulging in candidate-bashing and fear-mongering.
NDP Leader Brian Mason says his party has always led the way pushing for minority rights.
“We’re fortunate to have candidates who are gay and lesbian, who will tirelessly work to protect the rights and dignity of minority groups, not seek to limit them,” he said.