Councillor Ron Cannan calls it some of the most hateful behaviour he含羞草研究社檚 ever experienced in public office.

He含羞草研究社檚 referring to some of the feedback he含羞草研究社檚 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含羞草研究社檚 column 含羞草研究社榩romotes religion over inclusion含羞草研究社�

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

He says he含羞草研究社檚 since been attacked by 含羞草研究社渁 few strong secularists and advocates of SOGI含羞草研究社� for his Christian beliefs.

Cannan brought the issue up during Monday含羞草研究社檚 (Jan. 8) regular meeting of council attending via video.

含羞草研究社淭hey含羞草研究社檝e harassed me via phone and online sending messages of profanity,含羞草研究社� Accused me of being a racist, homophobic and spreading hate,含羞草研究社� he added.

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

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

Cannan did not elaborate on the reference to his father.

He also addressed his fellow councillors.

含羞草研究社淚含羞草研究社檓 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含羞草研究社檚 honestly held personal predictions and views.含羞草研究社�

Mayor Tom Dyas, who is currently on vacation, issued a statement two days after Cannan含羞草研究社檚 column appeared online.

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

Dyas also suggested the matter will be given 含羞草研究社渄ue consideration含羞草研究社� under council含羞草研究社檚 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.

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

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

含羞草研究社淭his article is my personal view and does not reflect the opinions of city council or the city.含羞草研究社�

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