Source: Niagra Falls Review, CJME Radio, Canadian Press

(post updated at 1:17 (PT) with information about Regina protest)
If the Canada's ruling Conservative party and Prime Minister Stephen Harper had hoped to put the Tom Lukiwski issue behind them, they won't be able to because of pressure from within their own caucus and from lesbian and gay activists in Lukiwski's home district.

Senator Nancy Ruth, the only openly gay member of the Conservative caucus, said she plans to raise the issue when caucus meets Wednesday.

"Apologies are never enough," Ruth said. "There always needs to be action."

Chanting 'homophobia has got to go,' members of Regina's gay community rallied Tuesday at the Lukiwski's constituency office in Regina.

About 60 placard-carrying protesters called for Lukiwski to resign over the anti-gay slurs he made on the 16-year-old video that surfaced last week.

Harper refused Monday to discipline Lukiwski over a vulgar homophobic slur the Regina MP uttered on the tape made while he was a provincial Conservative organizer.

Harper acknowledged Lukiwski's remarks were "completely unacceptable," but he told the House of Commons he considers the matter is closed following Lukiwski's apology.

On the tape, Lukiwski was seen saying there are "As", and then there are "Bs". Members of the gay and lesbian community in his home district are now calling themselves, the "B team."

The group of "B team" protesters at Lukiwski's Regina office, demanded consequences for the comments he made over 16 years ago.

Nathan Markwart with the Gay and Lesbian Community of Regina says Harper needs to do more than simply accept Lukiwski's apology, and close the book. He said at the Tuesday protest that  Harper should at the very least strip Lukiwski of his parliamentary duties.

Harper said Monday the government will not revoke Lukiwski's title as parliamentary secretary to the House leader.

Ruth would not offer an opinion on whether Lukiwski should resign from that position, but she plans to tell him and her caucus more needs to be done.

"I will speak to him and let him know that it's not good enough, and I'll do it in the most tactful way I can," Ruth said while en route to Ottawa.

"There are queers everywhere - including in his constituency - and we don't ever forget this stuff."

In Regina, Markwart told CJME radio on Monday that he wonders if Lukiwski has really changed, pointing out only three years ago, the Member of Parliament said in the House of Commons, that gay marriage could lead to polygamy, and was, quote, "fearful that societal change could happen."

Ruth suggested Lukiwski spend some time in his constituency with a group of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gender people to develop a better understanding of the challenges they face. Markwart and the "B team" in Regina hope to make it easier for Lukiwski to find them.

Full article: Gay senator rejects apology | Niagara Falls Review
Regina Gay And Lesbian Community To Protest At Lukiwski's Office | 980 CJME News Talk Radio