Canadian MP Who Participated In It Gets Better Video Past President Of Christian Group That Promotes Reparative Therapy; Tony Sweet Called Homosexuality “A Sin”

A Canadian Conservative MP who once described homosexuality as a sin is refusing to explain his participation in a video honouring a gay teen who was bullied before his suicide. The Canadian Press reports that David Sweet was once president of the socially conservative organization the Promise Keepers and was quoted in 2002 as saying homosexuality was a bad sexual practice. Sweet, who represents a southern Ontario riding, was once the president of the Christian men's organization Promise Keepers Canada. Asked Sweet if he felt homosexuality was a sin in a 2002 interview, he answered, "Yes, absolutely. We take the Scriptures as the word of God. We look at homosexual behaviour and say that's not what's prescribed in the Scripture." Promise Keepers Canada currently has a book for sale on its website entitled, "Leaving Homosexuality: A Practical Guide for Men and Women Looking for a Way Out." Sweet does not refer to his position at Promise Keepers in his online biography. In the video, Sweet repeats the popular slogan geared towards young gays and lesbians, “It Gets Better.” When asked about the video and his past remarks, Sweet’s only comment was that he said what he said. The Rights group EGALE Canada calls the video disrespectful because the government is not acting to help young gays and lesbians. The Liberals want the prime minister to raise the issue of gay rights during a meeting of Commonwealth leaders this week.