By Canadian Press

N.L. Tory Leader boots candidate opposed to abortion and gay marriage

May 10, 2019 | 10:05 AM

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — Ches Crosbie, the leader of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Progressive Conservative party, says a candidate opposed to legal abortion and same-sex marriage will not be in the Tory caucus if elected on May 16.

It’s a complete turnaround from Crosbie’s comments a day earlier, when he said he did not agree with Michael Normore’s views but believed him to be a “fine candidate” who could still represent his district well, according to a CBC report.

The CBC uncovered social media posts in which Normore, running in a southern Labrador district, opposed same-sex marriage and abortion, except to save a woman’s life. He also favoured more background checks for immigrants.

There was a strong reaction on social media, with some Twitter users writing that the issue had convinced them not to cast a ballot for the Tories.

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Crosbie told reporters Friday that after initially defending Normore on Thursday he was made aware of “unfortunate comments” the candidate had made on social media.

Crosbie said the views expressed in those posts were incompatible with party values, disqualifying Normore from sitting in the PC caucus if he were elected next Thursday.

Crosbie is vying to lead the next government in what polls suggest is a tight race between his party and the governing Liberals.

The Canadian Press