OTTAWA -- A veteran Tory MP is under fire for her "venomous homophobic rants" condemning gay pride and same-sex marriage.

During a heated debate over same-sex marriage in the House of Commons yesterday, New Brunswick MP Elsie Wayne lashed out at homosexual unions. She asked why gays enter parades and "dress up as women" on floats, stating mixed-sex couples don't seek the same publicity.

"If they are going to live together, they can go live together and shut up about it," the 71-year-old said. "There is not any need for this nonsense whatsoever and we should not have to tolerate it in Canada."

Wayne called it "pathetic" that Parliament is spending time debating the issue of same-sex unions and said changing the definition of marriage would not be leaving a solid foundation for future generations.

Tory MP Scott Brison, a party leadership candidate who is homosexual, described Wayne's comments as "rabid prejudice" and called on her to step down as deputy leader.

"Elsie is saying we should not have to tolerate equality in Canada, and I say we should not have to tolerate bigotry in Canada," he said. "Her comments are an embarrassment to the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada and an embarrassment to the Parliament of Canada."

NDP MP Alexa McDonough accused Wayne of "spewing hatred," and expressed disbelief the Maritimer would express such insensitive, venomous "19th-century views."

"This is screaming intolerance," McDonough said. "It's a complete failure to understand why we have Gay Pride Day."

Tory Leader Joe Clark, well-known for his progressive views on gay rights, said Wayne has "extreme views" on this issue, but stressed they do not reflect his own views or those of his party.

John Fisher, director of advocacy for national group Egale, called Wayne's remarks "unfortunate."

"She's losing touch with the Canadian values of equality and respect," he said.