Gay rights group okayed to march in Boston St. Patrick’s Day parade (xpost from MA)

[unhappycamper]

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/03/01/gay-rights-group-okayed-to-march-in-boston-st-patricks-day-parade/



Gay rights group okayed to march in Boston St. Patrick’s Day parade
By Reuters
Saturday, March 1, 2014 21:52 EST
By Jonathan Allen

(Reuters) – A gay rights group will be allowed to march in Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, event organizers said on Saturday, reversing a 20-year-long stance after the city’s new mayor intervened.

It was unclear, however, if marchers from MassEquality, one of the largest gay rights advocacy groups in Massachusetts, would be permitted to carry signs or use slogans identifying themselves as gay men and women, which may yet prove a sticking point.

“We don’t ban gays, we just want to keep the parade an Irish parade,” Tim Duross, the lead organizer of the parade that celebrates the city’s Irish heritage and honors military veterans, said in a telephone interview on Saturday.

He cited parade rules banning political protest and references to sexual orientation, suggesting that MassEquality was established enough not to have to explain who they are.


unhappycamper comment: The Veterans For Peace portion of this parade is assembling at the intersection of D Street and Broadway again this year. If you don't like the Allied War Veterans' rules (no signs) join us.

Last year Menino gave us the finger. Theoretically we were supposed to march one mile behind the 'main' parade but before the street sweepers - last year we were 3 1/2 miles behind the parade AND the street sweepers. One of the sweepers broke down and we were able to get some nice pics with the Smedley Butler chapter in the middle of the street.

Total distance for the parade is around 4 miles or so.

[Behind the Aegis]

1. I am confused.

I see a Canadian flag. Would GLBT people be allowed to wave Rainbow flags?

If you march with the Veterans For Peace can you march with this:



or

?w=652

[unhappycamper]

2. Yes and yes.

VFP is pro-people, pro-choice and peace.

[Behind the Aegis]

3. YEA!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you!!

[sheshe2]

4. From today's Boston Globe

For the first time, lesbian and gay Bostonians are set to march openly in the city’s traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade through South Boston — as long as they do not wear shirts or hold signs bearing the word “gay.”

On Sunday, the president of the South Boston Association of Non-Profits said members would march following stipulations set by the Allied War Veterans Council, the parade organizer, with a message celebrating diversity and including openly gay marchers, but avoiding specifically pro-gay sentiments.

In an interview at a veterans council banquet, Michael Dowling, head of the association, said parade organizers had been “open and gracious” in discussions.


“We’re an organization that really strives to make a healthy community for all our residents, so we’re really hopeful that our South Boston banner will be near the front of the parade,” Dowling said.

more

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/03/03/pro-lgbt-group-set-march-patrick-day-others-still-air/7TjcV2kAd9mwoxDzl7x5WM/story.html

[joeybee12]

5. Well then, no Irish husbands and wives and their kids...

They shouldn't be able to identify as straight.

[theHandpuppet]

6. Well, it looks as if the GLBT veterans are out

Saw the announcement on GD.

[unhappycamper]

7. You're probably talking about the Allied War Veteran's parade.

Their rules are simple: one sign and shut up.


Everyone is welcome to march in the Veterans For Peace portion of the parade. Bring your enthusiasm signs, bands, whatever and have a good time.

[theHandpuppet]

8. Isn't this the main St. Patrick's parade in Boston?

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2014/03/04/patrick-parade-organizers-again-reject-application-from-massequality-march-procession/tgruhUOc6ukySz8jYJTc1N/story.html?rss_id=Top-GNP

[unhappycamper]

9. That article is about the Allied War Veterans Council.

Strangely enough, the Veterans For Peace segment of this parade has our own permit to march in this parade.

Our parade is supposed to start one mile after the main parade goes by. (We've been to court on this issue a few times already.) Last year the federal judge that issued the original order that kept Veterans For Peace out of the Paddie's Day parade ruled that Veterans For Peace should step off one mile behind the parade but before the street sweepers.

Last year we stepped off 3 1/2 miles behind the parade and after the street sweepers.

Now that Menino has been replaced by Marty Walsh, the rules are changing again.

The bottom line is this: Want to march in Boston's Paddie's Day parade with your signs and your message? Be at the corner of D Street and Broadway when we step off.

We'll probably step off around 2-ish or so.

All are welcome.

[theHandpuppet]

10. The Veterans for Peace parade sounds like the really fun group.

If you can, snap us some pics! Would love to see them.

[unhappycamper]

11. Will do.