Coun. Sean Chu's tweet linking Irish same-sex marriage vote, bike lanes draws fire
CBC News | Posted: May 24, 2015 5:57 PM | Last Updated: May 26, 2015
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.
It 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.
A selection of the Twitter reaction is below.
Even Mayor Naheed Nenshi's chief of staff jumped into the mix.
By Sunday, Chu posted another tweet, this one encouraging people to join him in this year's annual Calgary Pride Parade.