Todd Hauptman, a gay man, has resigned as campaign manager for incumbent BC Liberal candidate Mary Polak in Langley, saying that many supporters of the party hold hateful views towards people with his sexual orientation.

"I simply cannot in good conscience support a campaign made up of people who think of me as less of a person because I am gay," the 26-year-old Hauptman wrote in an emailed release today.

"While I can say without hesitation that Mary has always shown me respect and love, and was a source of strength and encouragement when I 'came-out,' I have been conflicted beyond words these past weeks," wrote Hauptman.

"You see, the very base of voters who will likely help Mary get re-elected in just one-weeks time are made up of individuals who hold hateful attitudes towards the community I am a part of."

Polak's campaign office declined to comment when reached earlier today.

Hauptman said that many people may be shocked or angry that he waited until near the end of the campaign to quit his campaign position. "To them I say, please know I have wrestled with this decision for some time and simply cannot ignore my feelings or convictions any longer.

"How can I live a life of integrity if I won't speak up for myself? How can I be in a position of leadership and influence and yet not do what I know to be right? The answer is, I cannot."

Hauptman was spearheading Polak's campaign in Langley against New Democrat Andrew Mercier and BC Conservative Leader John Cummins. While Polak is the favourite, Mercier could challenge if Cummins takes enough former BC Liberal supporters away from the incumbent MLA.

On the social media site Idolbin, Hauptman describes himself as: "Public Relations Apprentice. (S)ocial media manager for local MLA. Human Rights Activist. Lover of Life." He studied political science and communications at the University of the Fraser Valley.

Hauptman concluded his email by saying that his identity extends beyond his sexual orientation. "I am a Christian. I am the recipient of a kidney transplant. I am a passionate, thoughtful person who cares for others. I am a loyal friend. I am educated. I am an active member of my community.

"I am the same Todd I have always been."

Doug Ward is part of The Tyee's 2013 B.C. election reporting team.