Vancouver MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert says his assistant was the victim of a homophobic attack at his West End constituency office last week.
The New Democrat said a riding resident stormed into his office Friday to complain about rainbow flags flying there and outside a local community centre.
“He shouted homophobic slurs at my constituency assistant, punched a hole in my office door, and then assaulted him,” Herbert said in a statement.
The openly gay MLA called police to the scene and officers arrested a 53-year-old man just down the street.
The suspect was taken into custody without incident. He has since been released without charges pending his next court appearance on April 4.
Due to the nature of the allegations, the police Hate Crimes Unit is investigating.
“My assistant is recovering from the incident, but we are both shaken and shocked that someone felt it acceptable to express their hateful views by assaulting a government worker and damaging government property,” he said.
The West End neighbourhood is host to the annual Vancouver Pride Parade and is known for its gay culture.
Herbert has represented the riding since its creation in 2009.
