Conception Bay South MHA Barry Petten apologized in the House of Assembly today for a comment that’s been called out for being sexist and misogynistic.
The comment happened yesterday during debate on a private member’s resolution for a fixed date on the next general election. Petten was expressing concern surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic at the time.
Petten said he was upset that MHA Lisa Dempster was “laughing like a schoolgirl” while he was speaking about the issue.
Today, Dempster, the minister responsible for the Status of Women, described how belittled she felt about the comment, which she said was sexist, misogynistic and intimidating.
She says, “Using the term ‘school girl’ with the intent to belittle, condescend and scold, was wrong and it was a breach of privilege.”
Dempster says it was sexist and misogynistic. Calls for Petten to apologize. @VOCMNEWS
— Brian Callahan (@briancallahan67) October 8, 2020
Petten apologized and withdrew his remark, saying it was made in the heat of serious debate. He said it was a slip of the tongue, he didn’t mean it the way it’s been portrayed and defended his character as a husband and father of two daughters.
House Speaker Scott Reid said he would consider the issue over the weekend and make a ruling on the matter next week.
