High-ranking Progressive Conservative party member, Jordan Lien has taken some heat on social media since he posted criticism of Alberta’s Health Minister, Sarah Hoffman on Facebook on Monday. “Our morbidly obese Health Minister Sarah Hoffman is going to ban the sale of menthol tobacco produces in Alberta as of September,” Lien wrote. “I would assume then that if health is the chief concern, that all sodas, candy, processed sugar products … and fast foods … should then follow?”
Lien’s intention was to criticize the proposal to ban all menthol tobacco products, but he does so with a low blow to Hoffman’s appearance. He seems to be suggesting that her weight somehow affects her ability to do her job as Health Minister, and people aren’t impressed.
Lien tweeted an apology, saying “I recognize I made a dumb comment. I apologize to @shoffmanAB and all who read it for my insensitive remark. Once again, I'm sorry. #ableg” but all wasn’t forgiven. Responses to his apology called his comment not just dumb, but “sexist, body-shaming, and just plain rude.”
Conservative party leader, Ric McIver said on Monday he planned to have a talk with Lien about his strategy on policy criticism. According to McIver, debating policy is perfectly fine, but “negative personal comments” are crossing the line. “This has got to be a respectful place. All Albertans are equal. All Albertans must be respected. All Albertans must be treated with dignity,” McIver said, according to the Huffington Post .
Clare Beckton, executive director of the Ottawa-based Centre for Women in Politics and Public Leadership, went so far as to say Lien should resign because of his comment. “The comments that were made were totally inappropriate and the person who made them should resign,” she said. “It’s misogynist. It’s inappropriate. … Since when has appearance had anything to do with legitimacy in terms of your intelligence and ability to be a legislator?” She told the National Post that a male politician would never have to put up with comments about his appearance, and it’s unfair that a woman should have to.
Lien’s comment has sparked debate over when, if ever, sexism will stop being an issue in politics. Even when it seems like progress has been made, someone makes a comment the true feelings that are hidden just below the surface.
