Updated: Thu Sep. 06 2007 11:24:04 AM

Canadian Press

TORONTO — Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory is downplaying his policy on bringing private religious schools into the public system after stirring up controversy with comments on teaching creationism.

A day after Tory said creationism could be taught in public religious schools, he says voters shouldn't just judge him on the basis of his proposal to fund faith-based schools.

Tory says that policy is only "one-quarter'' of a page in his 52-page platform.

He says he understands it is an emotional issue but it's only "one issue'' in the provincial election campaign.

Tory says he believes in evolution and knows he should "choose his words carefully'' when he talks about such a controversial issue.

The Liberals say Tory's comments on teaching creationism on top of "other theories'' show he hasn't thought out his education policy.