Coun. Sean Chu's tweet linking Irish same-sex marriage vote, bike lanes draws fire
Calgary councillor apologizes for another social media gaffe, says he supports equal rights
Sean Chu is no stranger to controversy for his social media posts, from quips about climate change to outbursts towards city staff about bike lanes.
The latest Twitter row features the Ward 4 councilor linking the recent Irish vote to allow same-sex marriage with a "social revolution" to "screw the D/T businesses" with cycle tracks.
Congrats,Irish's "social revolution" on same sex marriage.We've our own "social revolution"its called "screw the D/T businesses"Cycletracks
—@seanchucalgaryIt didn't take long for people to react to the comparison, with dozens calling out the councillor for his comment.
Chu, however, says he doesn't understand the reaction to his tweet and says he celebrates Ireland's acceptance of equal marriage rights.
"I support human rights and equality, no question about it, and that's why, in my tweet, I said 'Congrats,'" he said.
Chu says he totally disagrees with accusations that he was comparing equal rights to parking.
"A lot of people don't like my stance, so they just blow everything out of proportion," he said, prior to apologizing on Twitter Sunday afternoon after speaking with CBC News.
I unequivocally apologize for the tweet. Bad comparison. I absolutely support human & equal rights. I have marched before and will again.
—@seanchucalgaryA selection of the Twitter reaction is below.
<a href="https://twitter.com/seanchucalgary">@seanchucalgary</a> Just so we're clear you're equating equal rights with... parking?
—@poploser<a href="https://twitter.com/seanchucalgary">@seanchucalgary</a> you don't... Actually think the two are remotely similar do you?
—@brycedudley. <a href="https://twitter.com/seanchucalgary">@seanchucalgary</a> I thought you were pro referendum / plebiscite on important issues? You do know that's what happened in Ireland, yes?
—@heardsy<a href="https://twitter.com/seanchucalgary">@seanchucalgary</a> why are you comparing GLBT human rights to cycle tracks?
—@voyagevixen<a href="https://twitter.com/meejah">@meejah</a> | Toronto has Rob Ford, we have Sean Chu. <a href="https://twitter.com/seanchucalgary">@seanchucalgary</a>
—@fmangelini<a href="https://twitter.com/seanchucalgary">@seanchucalgary</a> Let me ask: are you linking legalizing gay marriage to "screwing DT businesses"? You know there's actual differences?
—@DanPagan<a href="https://twitter.com/seanchucalgary">@seanchucalgary</a> Rookie NDP MLAs lose their position for less.
—@ryluckyEven Mayor Naheed Nenshi's chief of staff jumped into the mix.
<a href="https://twitter.com/seanchucalgary">@seanchucalgary</a> seriously?
—@chimaincalgaryBy Sunday, Chu posted another tweet, this one encouraging people to join him in this year's annual Calgary Pride Parade.
Supporting human rights & having fun. My girls & I loved being in the parade before. You should take part too!! <a href="https://t.co/JNUM327U2E">https://t.co/JNUM327U2E</a>
—@seanchucalgary