Former Conservative staffer Richard Décarie recently declared his intention to run for Conservative leader and he’s already generating controversy.

On CTV News’ Power Play, Décarie claimed that being gay is a “choice” and that the phrase LGTBQ was a “Liberal” term.

Emphasizing his "so-con" values, Décarie says "LGBTQ" is a "Liberal" term and that being gay is a "choice." #cdnpoli #ctvpp



More at https://t.co/uCQmGSHoEL pic.twitter.com/F9Z70Ejsdi — CTV Power Play (@CTV_PowerPlay) January 22, 2020

Décarie worked for Stephen Harper from 2003 to 2005 as deputy chief of staff. While the leadership race is still early, Décarie has staked out an early position as the social conservative candidate.

The comments come as Conservatives continue to grapple with their election loss. Many political observers argue Scheer lost the election due to his comments about LGBTQ people, such as refusing to apologize for calling gay marriage a sin and not marching in Pride.

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