Ford says he supports traditional marriage

Toronto mayoral candidate Rob Ford was asked about his views on same-sex marriage on Wednesday and said he supports the traditional union between men and women.

"I support traditional marriage," Ford said during a campaign event at Toronto City Hall. 

The event was held to announce that Rev. Wendell Brereton was dropping out of the mayoral race, entering the race for councillor in Ward Six, and throwing whatever support he has to the Ford camp.

But when Brereton was asked about a phrase on his Facebook page that appeared to support the traditional form of marriage, he said "I have a fundamentalist view on how families are oriented. I believe in heterosexual marriage.  That's who I am, that's what my belief system is."

Ford has made considerable efforts during the campaign to reach out to Toronto's gay community but didn't attempt to distance himself from Brereton's views.

"We're together," Ford said. "We have the same thoughts and that's why I'm supporting [Brereton] and, like I said, he'll be a huge asset to the City of Toronto.''

When quizzed further on his views, Ford said, "I support traditional marriage. I always have. But to each his own. I'm not worried about what people do in their private life."

Afterward, Ford's spokesperson Adrienne Batra tried to clarify Ford 's position.

"When Pastor Brereton and Rob Ford stand together it is all about bringing accountability to the taxpayer of Toronto. It's got nothing to do with bringing forward their own person beliefs," said Batra.

Shortly after the news conference, the comments on Brereton's Facebook page that prompted the questions were removed.