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“It is a real issue of personal liberty, to what extent we put people in jail for doing something in which they do not harm another person,” he told those gathered at the University of Lethbridge after his previous comments on child pornography were brought up by an audience member.

Flanagan would issue an apology Thursday afternoon, saying his “words were badly chosen” in a theoretical academic discussion, but it was too late as politicians and conservative groups had already rushed to distance themselves from him.

“I certainly have no sympathy for child molesters, but I do have some grave doubts about putting people in jail because of their taste in pictures,” Flanagan said initially Wednesday evening when asked about his 2009 comments in which he said: “What’s wrong with child pornography — in the sense that it’s just pictures?”

The audience immediately turned on Flanagan, a University of Calgary professor, with the questioner responding loudly: “That’s disgusting.”

Flanagan responded that he personally does not view child pornography. But then he bizarrely added that it was a “long story” but he was put on the mailing list of the national Man Boy Love Association for several years.

The well-known University of Calgary professor, 68, prefaced his remarks by saying his position differs from the government, of which he had a significant part in putting in power.

“I’m not part of the Conservative government,” Flanagan said. “I have some doubts about some of the Conservative justice initiatives.”

Many of those affiliated with Flanagan, including politicians at the federal and provincial level, were quick to condemn the remarks and cut ties with him Thursday.

Harper spokesperson Andrew MacDougall tweeted that Flanagan comments were “repugnant, ignorant, and appalling.”