Joan Crockatt drops out of Calgary Pride Parade after controversy

Joan Crockatt, the federal Conservative candidate in CalgaryCentre, will not march in the city'spride parade this year because of a controversy surroundingher participation.

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"I do not want my participation to divert attention away from the efforts of organizers of this event," she said in a Facebook statement.

Crockatt's participation in the march was called into question because Crockatt voted against Bill C-279, a controversial piece of legislation aimed at bolstering transgender rightsby adding gender identity provisions to both the Criminal Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act.

The bill eventually died when Parliament was dissolved for the election.

Despite Crockatt's voting record, parade organizers approved her participation in the event, but transgender rights advocates questioned the decisiongiven that Calgary Pride has a new rule in place this year. Itrequiresparticipants to sign a declaration of support.

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'Complete misrepresentation'

Calgary Pride said it had not looked at Crockatt's voting record and later cited a discussion betweenEgaleCanada and Crockattto justify the candidate'sinclusion in Pride.

Egalesaid using that conversation as a justification for voting against Bill C-279, and therefore Crockatt's inclusion in the parade,was a "complete misrepresentation."

Crockatt says she will "mark Pride in another way this year, and continue to discuss issues of importance to the community with as many people as I can at the doors. I wish organizers my very best."

Crockatt's son, Scott Crockatt, is the director of marketingand sits on the board ofPride Calgary.

CraigSklenar, the director of government affairs for Calgary Pride, saysCrockattwithdrew ofher own accord.

"Joan has made her decision and we respect that," he said.

Crockatt declined an interview with CBC News. She did participate in the march last year.