Wardrobe Function: Councillors in Canada's largest city argue over....shirts

April 13, 2005: The Toronto Star

BRUCE DEMARA
CITY HALL BUREAU

Toronto politicians can wear anything they want, including buttons, ribbons and T-shirts — even if they express opinion or bias on an issue — city council has decided. A formal complaint was filed last October against Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti for wearing a T-shirt during a committee meeting that supported a bridge to the Toronto City Centre Airport, a highly contentious issue.

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But in a 27-7 vote, councillors ended debate on the matter once and for all.

"As a member of this council, I put my biases before the electorate and they determine whether they're going to support them or not," said Councillor Howard Moscoe.

"If a member of council wants to wear a TTC logo on his lapel or a `I hate somebody' sweater on their back or carry a picket sign and make a fool of themselves, it's their right to make a fool of themselves absolutely," said Moscoe (Ward 15, Eglinton-Lawrence).

Councillor Pam McConnell (Ward 28, Toronto Centre-Rosedale), chair of the Toronto Police Services Board, said she is contemplating a T-shirt saying, "Question Authority, But Not Your Mother."

Mammoliti (Ward 7, York West) noted he once took off his shirt in the council chamber to protest a decision to let a portion of Hanlan's Point beach go clothing-optional, adding that it garnered media attention.

"It was my right to take off my shirt and it was my right to put on the (offending) shirt," Mammoliti said.

"I just want to say I'm pleased Councillor Mammoliti hasn't taken his shirt off in the time that I've been here," said Councillor Janet Davis (Ward 31, Beaches-East York).