Councillor Ron Cannan calls it some of the most hateful behaviour he害羞草研究所檚 ever experienced in public office.

He害羞草研究所檚 referring to some of the feedback he害羞草研究所檚 received regarding a Jan. 2 column, that appeared on the Kelowna Now website.

In the column, Cannan gives his personal views and predictions for 2024, covering several topics including one that struck a nerve - sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) resources in B.C. schools.

READ MORE: Politicians claim Kelowna councillor害羞草研究所檚 column 害羞草研究所榩romotes religion over inclusion害羞草研究所�

Cannan wrote that he expects the school board will continue to get pushback from parents and grandparents regarding the SOGI policy and the 害羞草研究所渢ransgender movement害羞草研究所� within public schools.

He says he害羞草研究所檚 since been attacked by 害羞草研究所渁 few strong secularists and advocates of SOGI害羞草研究所� for his Christian beliefs.

Cannan brought the issue up during Monday害羞草研究所檚 (Jan. 8) regular meeting of council attending via video.

害羞草研究所淭hey害羞草研究所檝e harassed me via phone and online sending messages of profanity,害羞草研究所� Accused me of being a racist, homophobic and spreading hate,害羞草研究所� he added.

Cannan says the personal attacks and defamatory statements also affect his family.

害羞草研究所淚 know many people from the 2sLGBTQ population, including my father, whom I dearly beloved,害羞草研究所� he said. These words and comments are the opposite of being tolerant, respectful and working towards a more inclusive and accepting society.害羞草研究所�

Cannan did not elaborate on the reference to his father.

He also addressed his fellow councillors.

害羞草研究所淚害羞草研究所檓 so sorry that you, my council colleagues, have had to experience this negative pushback for my opinion column. I am far from perfect, however, I trust that you and everyone in this city believe in democracy and reject this intimidating and abusive behaviour towards any elected official for simply expressing one害羞草研究所檚 honestly held personal predictions and views.害羞草研究所�

Mayor Tom Dyas, who is currently on vacation, issued a statement two days after Cannan害羞草研究所檚 column appeared online.

害羞草研究所淢embers of council and the public have shared their concerns with me regarding Coun. Cannan害羞草研究所檚 viewpoints and we are disappointed that he has used his elected position as a city councillor in this way.害羞草研究所�

Dyas also suggested the matter will be given 害羞草研究所渄ue consideration害羞草研究所� under council害羞草研究所檚 new Code of Conduct, which Cannan points out he is well aware of and respects.

Cannan also notes that Kelowna Now includes a disclaimer in his column, and others, stating it reflects only the opinions of those who write them and are not necessarily those of Kelowna Now or its staff.

害羞草研究所淭hat disclaimer has been in all of my columns published as a city councillor and I haven害羞草研究所檛 heard any feedback as far as any concerns or confusion as to that being my personal opinion column.害羞草研究所�

He adds he will be adding a sentence to future columns so that there will be no potential misunderstandings.

害羞草研究所淭his article is my personal view and does not reflect the opinions of city council or the city.害羞草研究所�

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