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Alberta Tory leadership hopeful Ric McIver has apologized for his participation in a parade held by a group with anti-gay sentiments, but he doesn’t plan to pull out of the race to be the province’s next premier.

The member of the legislature from Calgary was criticized by his own party for taking part in last weekend’s March for Jesus organized by the Street Church, which on its website condemns gay people as the minions of Satan.

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McIver says he became involved with the group when he was a city alderman and the Street Church would hold barbecues for the homeless.

“The basis of the relationship was a friendly … hello as people were being fed in front of city hall,” he said Thursday at a media availability. “That led to accepting an invitation to attend the March for Jesus.”

McIver said he blames himself for not doing his homework.

“I didn’t check the website. I’m angry. Anybody who’s angry, I agree with them. Nasty, mean-spirited stuff on this website. There’s no excuse for.”