BC Conservative leader-designate John Cummins has apologized for offense caused by his comments on homosexuality to a Victoria radio station last week, saying his views were misinterpreted.
Cummins issued a statement Sunday lamenting his use of the word "choice" in reference to the sexual orientation of gays and lesbians.
"It confused the meaning of my statement, which was that I believe anyone can live their life in the way they want," Cummins said.
"I don't know how sexual orientation develops. That discussion is best left to experts and researchers, not politicians."
The interview, which aired last Wednesday on CFAX, drew ire from several gay rights groups, and led host Stephen Andrew to call the former Tory MP's views "archaic."
Cummins also said he was "pro-traditional marriage" and that sexual orientation need not be protected under the Human Rights Act.
Speaking to reporters outside Surrey Provincial Court on Monday, Cummins upheld his position that all groups should be awarded equal opportunities and protections.
"We can all be subject to abuse for a variety of reasons. Some people don't like fat people," Cummins said. "Every case is hurtful to that individual, and that's the issue: we're all individuals and we all deserve the same protection under the law."
He added that he is not interested in challenging the status quo on the issue of same-sex marriage.
"It's an issue that's been dealt with by the courts and it's done," Cummins said.
