Watch: Homophobe lost for words when interviewer brings up anti-gay tweets
A Toronto school trustee who claimed that Pride is a “freak show” and that “homosexism” is ruiningĀ Canada has refused to answer any questions about his statements in a bizarre interview.
Sam Sotiropoulos, who sits on the Toronto District School Board, was being interviewed byĀ Global News in Canada about the series of offensive tweets.
Until I see scientific proof that transgenderism exists and is not simply a mental illness, I reserve the right not to believe in it. #TDSB
ā Sam Sotiropoulos (@TrusteeSam) August 30, 2014
He initiallyĀ refusesĀ to answer any questions about aĀ tweet claiming trans people don’t exist, saying: “I reserve the right to form an opinion.”
After leading the interview in circles for five minutes, Ā the interviewer brings up the homophobic tweets, which he initially denies having sentĀ despite the direct quotes from his Twitter page.
Toronto Worldpride Parade 2014 ā Freak Show with Politicians: https://t.co/K4YEzX0K6Z In case you missed it. WARNING: Nudity #TOpoli #voteTO
ā Sam Sotiropoulos (@TrusteeSam) July 4, 2014
WhenĀ questioned again on the tweets (at the 6-minute mark), he turns away from the camera completely, and blanks the interviewer.
Baffled, she says: “Care to elaborate? Do you have an interest in elaborating?”
When he remains silent, she adds: “We can stand here all day! If this is your belief, I don’t understand why you wouldn’t want to clarify it.”
After SotiropoulosĀ eventually admits to sending the tweets, the interviewer returnsĀ to the subject of trans people – only for him to blank herĀ once more, and eventually walkĀ out of the interview without saying a word.
Activist Susan Gapka said: “It’s very concerning that people elected to public office donāt follow or take the time to learn about our codes of conduct, about our society. I hope he doesn’t win again.”
