The reality, according to Grossman, is that the 2015 curriculum doesn't address the dangers of anal sex, sex positivity or the consequences of non-traditional family structures.

"Instead of fighting deadly viruses and bacteria, this curriculum is fighting homophobia," she said.

In the 2015 post on Melek's site, which was accessible until at least February 2017, Grossman was described as having a message “that every Ontario parent has to hear."

Melek told the Mississauga News she opposes “any so-called therapy or treatment that forces someone to try and change their sexual orientation against their will.”

“On these older online posts, like tens of thousands of Ontario parents, I supported the review of the sex-ed curriculum, which is why the Ontario government made an election promise to consult with parents,” she said.

In 2015, Melek appeared at numerous events opposing the former Liberal government’s sex-ed curriculum. That year, the candidate spoke at a Canadian Families Alliance press conference and led Queen’s Park protesters in a chant calling the sex-ed curriculum “abuse in disguise.”

In her response to the Mississauga News, Melek noted her campaign has the endorsement of Paul Skippen, who won the first Business Leader of the Year award from the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) in 2016.

In the endorsement, Skippen said that he and his family have “always been very welcomed in (Melek’s) home.”

“The quotes referenced in the media are obviously taken out of context. It has been our experience that they neither reflect who she is nor her beliefs.”

Skippen advocated for Peel Region schools to raise the Pride flag in 2018, and was a partner at international consulting firm Deloitte when he won the CGLCC award.

Melek has worked for Deloitte for over 10 years, and her bio on the Conservative party website list her as a senior manager at the firm.

In August, Melek’s candidacy was called into question over reports of anti-Muslim social media posts.

Following the Vice story, and a report in the National Post detailing tweets about Islam attributed to Melek’s Twitter account, local faith leaders have called for an end to her candidacy.

The Muslim Council of Peel has called on Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer to remove Melek as a candidate, a call that the Ontario Khalsa Darbar has echoed.

In an email responding to questions about her posts on Islam, Melek said she “will always stand with Muslim-Canadians,” and noted her attendance at vigils for victims of the Quebec City and Christchurch mosque shootings.

“My focus now is what I can do here in Canada, and part of that is giving back to a country that has given me so much,” she said.

Scheer did not respond to questions about Melek.