Rogers removed from house over Facebook threats
The NDP MHA from St. John's Centre has been removed from the house of assembly for refusing to apologize for comments made by other users on a Facebook group of which she had been added to as a member.
Gerry Rogers' removal came after a recess of the house, during which Speaker Ross Wiseman dealt with allegations of threats against Premier Kathy Dunderdale.
Earlier Tuesday, Justice Minister Darin King said Rogers was a member of the Facebook group Kathy Dunderdale must GO!!! in which users had posted comments containing death threats against the premier.
"What kind of message is that sending to the people of the province, to our children in the province, when we talk about bullying and harassment and intimidation?" said King.
"To think we're here today talking about a point of privilege because a member of this house is part of a group whose members are advocating that we kill the premier."
"I did not join this Facebook group," Rogers told reporters during the recess.
Rogers said that she thinks that the government does not understand how Facebook groups work.
"I was added to this group without my knowledge, without permission, and by somebody that I do not know," said Rogers.
Rogers added that she is totally opposed to any kind of violence or threats, but she also said she was "appalled" that the house of assembly had been suspended over the matter.
"There are so many important issues to be debating now with the budget and here we are now, the afternoon is almost gone," said Rogers.
Meanwhile, Premier Kathy Dunderdale said the RNC were investigating the threats.
"I'm not going to be bullied or intimidated into doing something that I don't think is in the best interests of the people in this province," said Dunderdale.
Dunderdale said her government understands how Facebook groups work, and she said it is up to every MHA to monitor the comments posted on Facebook groups to which they belong.
