Canada: Residents complain at property agent’s decision to distribute homophobic leaflets
A Canadian property agent has been criticised for distributing leaflets that attack same-sex marriage and gay parents.
Andrew Ciastek, a sales representative for RE/MAX in Mississauga, Southern Ontario, denies accusations of homophobia.
The Star reports he said: “I didn’t want to offend anybody… I didn’t have bad intentions.”
Local resident Jon McDonald said he was furious when he discovered the flyer in his newspaper. It had been dispatched to hundreds of homes in the Port Credit and Lorne Park neighbourhoods.
“My blood pressure went up 100%. I read it and thought, ‘What does this have to do with selling houses?’”
The flyer stated: “Traditional family is the best for the future of the kids.”
After reading the material, Mr McDonald complained to RE/MAX, the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the Peel police diversity unit.
Christine Martysiewicz, director of internal and public relations for RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada, said: “the views and opinions expressed in this piece do not reflect those of RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada or our agents.”
She said Mr Ciastek will issue a public apology and make a donation to a local charity of the company’s choosing.
