Access Credit Union members voted against a merger with Assiniboine Credit Union Wednesday.

At least one Access Credit Union member who voted against it said he voted no because the values of Assiniboine Credit Union were not in line with his Christian values. 

Member Don Cruickshank said one reason he voted against the merger was because Assiniboine Credit Union supported Pride Winnipeg and the Rainbow Resource Centre.

Earlier this week, before the vote, Cruickshank posted on Facebook a list of gay events the Assiniboine Credit Union had supported in the past. He wrote, "Decide with your vote whether or not you want Access Credit Union to merge into that.”

Cruickshank said he is not anti-gay. He said he has no idea what influence his words on Facebook may have had on the final vote.

He said the other reason he voted against the merger is because if it passed, Assiniboine Credit Union would have had a majority of board members over Access Credit Union.

Pride Winnipeg said the words are hurtful, but it’s only one person speaking out. It said as a member of Access Credit Union, Cruickshank has every right to vote as he wishes, but when these views starts impacting business, it’s a bit ridiculous.

A two thirds majority of support by credit union members is required to pass the merger. The final vote by members was 63.5 per cent, just 2.5 points from the 66 per cent required.

Access Credit Union President and CEO Larry Davey said he and all the board members were surprised and disappointed the merger failed. He said Assiniboine and Access were a good fit financially and because of their commitment to the community.