Antigay Bias Feared in
Canadian Immigration Official

Gay and lesbian groups in Canada argue that a newly appointed immigration official should be removed because he has previously expressed antigay views.

Doug Cryer, a Conservative Party booster, was appointed last month to a three-year term on the Immigration and Refugee Board for the Toronto district. His selection prompted an outcry because of his opposition to same-sex marriage and previous defense of the church's right to say that homosexual behavior is "sinful."

"If you want to appoint him, put him on the Wheat Board, where he's not going to be making life-and-death decisions on refugee claims," Helen Kennedy, executive director of the gay and lesbian group EGALE, told the Edmonton Sun .

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney defends the appointment, however, and notes that applicants have been appointed to similar positions from a variety of religious backgrounds.

A spokesperson for the IRB said that refugee claimants who suspect bias in a board member can ask that board member to step aside from the case, and appeal in court if the board member refuses.