LGBT activists are furious yet again that the Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade continues to prohibit them from marching under their own banner at the event.
Pride groups in New York City are venting their anger at organizers, and this prompted action from City Hall. Democratic Mayor Eric Adams announced he will boycott the traditional celebration and instead participate in the Rainbow Run — an LGBT pride event.
The Rainbow Run is being held at the same time as the Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
LGBT groups angry that Staten Island St. Patrick's Day Parade organizers will not allow them to march under their own banner during the parade ~ IMO THEY SHOULD HAVE THEIR OWN PARADE AND LEAVE THE IRISH HOLIDAY ALONE – & YES I'M IRISH https://t.co/vL5atWcWk3
— @QueenB_wiov Deborah R Culver (@queenb_wiov) March 5, 2023
The Pride Center of Staten Island’s Carol Bullock said that the situation became confrontational when her group attempted to submit an application. She claimed that event organizer Larry Cummins pushed a local photographer aside when he tried to take a picture.
Backlash was immediate. Jody’s Club Forest, which for decades hosted a yearly local political breakfast, withdrew from the festivities.
Organizers released a statement last month asserting their action is “in solidarity with the LGBT groups excluded by the parade’s organizers.”
To be clear, organizers are merely insisting that the groups do not march under their individual banners. This is an Irish event with traditional roots that date back for centuries.
As Catholic League President Bill Donohue said, “The parade celebrates St. Patrick, not (someone’s) orientation.”
New York City is teeming with pride events that cater to the LGBT community, but that is not good enough for Bullock. As the executive director said “we were denied an opportunity to march in the parade. Let me be very clear, this is discriminatory and vile.”
One politician decided to participate despite the shrill calls to boycott the annual celebration. Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis told reporters “I have said clearly that everyone should be included in this march, but I am not going to not participate and support my Irish constituents.”
Many on the left will not be satisfied until every knee bows and every demand is met. There is no room for discussion or dissent, even when it comes to traditional celebrations that are deeply woven into our cultural fabric and based on religious beliefs.
