Premier Greg Selinger has disciplined one of his backbench MLAs over a controversial remark.

Selinger says St. Norbert MLA Dave Gaudreau has been relieved of his caucus duties.

“(It’s) not appropriate in the legislature or outside the legislature,” said Selinger.

Gaudreau made a remark towards Conservative MLA Ron Schuler and his "male friend" during question period Thursday and then later apologized.

“I’ve been to 15 of the (Folklorama) pavilions and last night I was at one of the pavilions where I ran into the member from St. Paul and his male friend,” said Gaudreau in the legislature Thursday.

Gaudreau apologized later that same day.

"I would like to retract that from the record I didn't mean it in any other way then that I saw him last night at the event,” he said.

Selinger called Gaudreau’s comments unacceptable and stripped him of his caucus duties, meaning he can no longer ask questions.

"As a form of saying to him that he needs sanctions to change his behavior and he's fully accepted those sanctions,” said Selinger.

Gaudreau posted an apology on his webpage, saying, "It was a poor choice of words on my part, especially given that they were directed at a colleague of mine for whom I have the greatest respect."

“I am proud to be part of a government that is committed to fighting homophobia and bullying,” his statement continued. “All my working life, I have fought hard for a society in which everyone is treated equally and with respect. Yesterday I fell short of this standard, and I know I need to take responsibility for my actions. Once again, I offer my apologies to all Manitobans."

Schuler said the remark was a gay slur.

“It was the way that it was said,” Schuler commented Friday.

He said he is heterosexual, but called the comment a slight towards the gay and lesbian community.

"That slur is out there and I don't feel comfortable with it. I don't think my family is comfortable with it and it hurts," said Schuler.

Pride Winnipeg said the insinuation is a reminder that homophobia still exists, even in a place like the legislature.

“(This) happens in workplaces across Canada every day,” said Jeffrey Myall from Pride Winnipeg.

A spokesperson for the Selinger government said Gaudreau would not be available for an interview Friday.

- with a report from Jeff Keele