

A Toronto school trustee who claimed that Pride is a “freak show” and that “homosexism” is ruining Canada has refused to answer any questions about his statements in a bizarre interview.

Sam Sotiropoulos, who sits on the Toronto District School Board, was being interviewed by Global News in Canada about the series of offensive tweets.

Until I see scientific proof that transgenderism exists and is not simply a mental illness, I reserve the right not to believe in it. #TDSB — Sam Sotiropoulos (@TrusteeSam) August 30, 2014

He initially refuses to answer any questions about a tweet claiming trans people don’t exist, saying: “I reserve the right to form an opinion.”

After leading the interview in circles for five minutes, the interviewer brings up the homophobic tweets, which he initially denies having sent despite the direct quotes from his Twitter page.

Toronto Worldpride Parade 2014 – Freak Show with Politicians: https://t.co/K4YEzX0K6Z In case you missed it. WARNING: Nudity #TOpoli #voteTO — Sam Sotiropoulos (@TrusteeSam) July 4, 2014

When questioned again on the tweets (at the 6-minute mark), he turns away from the camera completely, and blanks the interviewer.

Baffled, she says: “Care to elaborate? Do you have an interest in elaborating?”

When he remains silent, she adds: “We can stand here all day! If this is your belief, I don’t understand why you wouldn’t want to clarify it.”

After Sotiropoulos eventually admits to sending the tweets, the interviewer returns to the subject of trans people – only for him to blank her once more, and eventually walk out of the interview without saying a word.

Activist Susan Gapka said: “It’s very concerning that people elected to public office don’t follow or take the time to learn about our codes of conduct, about our society. I hope he doesn’t win again.”