Gay group may march in Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day parade
By Sam Rigby
A provisional deal has been struck that would allow a gay rights group to march in Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade for the first time since 1993.
MassEquality, a Massachusetts-based gay rights organisation, will be allowed to participate in the parade as long as they agree to the code of conduct, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Although MassEquality maintain that no agreement has been reached, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh said that he remains “optimistic that a solution can be reached that will work for all parties involved.”
Parade organiser Phil Wuschke Jr. said that the group will be included in the March 16 parade, but that they are not to turn it into a demonstration.
“They are going to be marching with a ‘Happy St. Patrick’s Day’ sign. That’s it,” Wuschke said. “It’s a day of celebration, not demonstration. We’re there to send a message about St. Patrick’s Day and Evacuation Day, and if they choose to abide by that, they are welcome.”
MassEquality’s Executive Director, Kara Coredini, said: “MassEquality has not accepted any invitation to march, and will only consider accepting an invitation that allows LGBT people to march openly.
“LGBT people should not have to silence who they are to celebrate other parts of their identities.”
Wuschke added: “They have a day for that, which is non-inclusive and doesn’t allow pro-life groups and Catholic organizations. We’ve always been inclusive.”
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