LGBT Veterans Group To Remain Barred From Boston St. Patrick’s Parade

One day after making their case, negotiations have dried up and an LGBT civil rights group will remain barred from the historic Boston St. Patrick’s Parade. The official organizers of the parade, the Allied War Veteran’s Council, had claimed they were deceived after applying a standard for entry to MassEquality’s veterans’ group that no other group marching has been asked to meet.

The parade organizers had demanded MassEquality prove it had 20 LGBT veterans to march, and that non-vets or non-LGBT people could not fill-in.

LOOK: Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade Kicks Out LGBT Vets Over ‘Ploy’

In a heart-felt letter signed by a dozen LGBT vets and released yesterday, the group denied parade organizers’ claims.

“We write first and foremost, to reject allegations made by the Allied War Veterans Council that we do not exist,” the LGBT vets’ letter reads. “We are well known in our Massachusetts communities. We are active duty, reserve and National Guard veterans, disabled American veterans, American Legion Post past commanders, past district officers, town and city officials, family members, friends, sons and daughters, co-workers and neighbors. We have served our country with distinction defending our Constitution in our United States military service uniforms. We would be proud and honored to stand beside our fellow veterans, march and celebrate the service and sacrifice of all of our veteran brothers and sisters in the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade.”

Parade organizers had made clear their intentions in a statement last week.

“It is our intention to keep this parade a family friendly event. We will not allow any group to damage the Integrity [sic] of the historic event or our reputation as a safe and fun filled day for all. We strive to hold the largest and most entertaining St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the Country.”

Boston Mayor Martin Walsh says he will boycott this year’s parade if the LGBT vets are barred.

 

Image: Bagpipers marching in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Southie (South Boston), 2007. Photo by Melinda via Flickr.