PLP: Does OBA Leader Support Marcus Jones?
The PLP called on the OBA Leader Jarion Richardson “to let the public know where he personally stands on Marcus Jones’ candidacy and the comments that led to his resignation.”
PLP Deputy Chairperson Lauren Hayward-Bell said, “It is unfortunate, yet not surprising, that the latest OBA Chair would double down on the OBA decision to announce former Senator Marcus Jones as their candidate for the next General election. This is the same Marcus Jones who resigned in disgrace just 18 months ago for shaming victims of sexual assault.
“Jones resigned in February 2022; his sexist and victim-blaming comments were extremely recent which is even more disturbing given all the research-backed public education regarding the negative impact this type of rhetoric has on survivors and the willingness to report attacks.
“These comments followed Jones’ previous public declaration of his ‘staunch’ support for the sexist, misogynistic Donald Trump. In January 2021, the then Senator Jones took to social media to declare: ‘Since he was elected as President in 2016, Holy Spirit has prompted me to be an intercessor for your President who in that time has become my President…..I am a minority supporter of the President in my community but a staunch one.’
“In response to the community’s outrage for this social media statement, the OBA advised ‘their candidate’s opinions may not necessarily reflect the sentiment of the Party.’
“Politicians’ opinions matter.
“On both sides of the aisle, we have seen people have to take responsibility for their public comments and/or actions. However, it is clear that with the recall of Ben Smith and Marcus Jones, the OBA does not feel that they need to take this responsibility? It makes one wonder who will be the next OBA standard bearer? Will it be Leah Scott? Will it be Michael Fahy?
Ms Hayward Bell asked what does OBA Smith’s South Candidate Ben Smith think of blaming the victims and added that they ”call on the latest OBA Leader, Jarion Richardson, who spoke at length about integrity, to let the public know where he personally stands on Marcus Jones’ candidacy and the comments that led to his resignation. Does he truly support his candidacy? Does he support his comments? Why does he want Marcus Jones representing the OBA in Pembroke West?”
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