Toronto police are investigating a complaint that an independent candidate violated Canadian hate crime legislation when he told a radio audience that Egale Canada's Executive Director should be executed because she's a lesbian.

David Popescu, a candidate in the Sudbury region, made the remarks during a Toronto radio call-in show on Thursday, Oct. 2nd, following an all-candidates debate at Sudbury Secondary School on Sept. 30th at which he told high school students that gays should be executed.

Popescu was a guest on the popular John Oakley show with Helen Kennedy, Executive Director of Egale Canada. When asked whether Kennedy should be executed, Mr. Popescu responded, "Yes."

Kennedy has filed a complaint with Toronto Police 51 Division, which is investigating to determine whether or not Mr. Popescu committed a hate crime. Under Canada's hate crime law, it is a federal offense to promote hatred or incite violence against minorities, including gays and lesbians. The issue must be referred to the province's Attorney General before it can proceed.