Autism B.C. board member Laurie Guerra resigns amid anti-SOGI concerns

Autism B.C. says director and past president Laurie Guerra has resigned.

Guerra was the subject of a petition asking she be removed from the organization'sboard of directors over her participation in an anti-SOGI123 (sexual orientation and gender identity)gathering last week in Surrey, B.C.

"It was an easy conversation," said Autism B.C. president Gary Robins. "She didn't want to put any more stress on our organization and she feels she has enough on her plate as a councillor with the city [of Surrey] and so she offered her resignation."

• Read: Autism B.C. statement regarding the resignation of Laurie Guerra

Robins saidAutism B.C. had suffered some "collateral damage" in its association with Guerra, butthat criticism that the organization itself was not inclusive to the LGBTcommunity was unfounded.

"There's no evidence of that," he said. "In all of our programs across the province, there hasn't been any evidence that we have been anything other than inclusive."

According to the Autism B.C. website, Guerra had been an active board member for more than 13 years.

She was recently elected a first-time city councillor in Surrey.

SOGI123 is aresource for B.C. teachers and school administrators aimed at addressing discrimination and bullying aroundsexual orientation and gender identity.

CBCNews made a number of requests to speak with Guerra but she has not responded.