Politics & Government

Boston Mayor Boycotts St. Patrick's Day Parade Over LGBT Controversy

Walsh has threatened to boycott the parade for weeks, demanding gay groups be allowed to march.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh on Sunday said he will not participate in the St. Patrick's Day Parade after a controversy over the inclusion of LGBT groups.

Walsh has threatened to boycott the parade for weeks, demanding that gay groups would be allowed to march. MassEquality, which promotes LGBT rights, was recently invited to march in the parade, but the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, which is sponsoring the parade, took back the invitation, saying it was misled by LGBT Veterans of Equality, an affiliate of MassEquality.

Boston.com reported Walsh released a statement Sunday announcing his decision to boycott the parade:

"I'm disappointed that this year, I will be unable to participate in the parade," Walsh said. "As mayor of the city of Boston, I have to do my best to ensure that all Bostonians are free to participate fully in the civic life of our city. Unfortunately, this year, the parties were not able to come to an understanding that would have made that possible."

On Friday, the Boston Beer Company, which brews Sam Adams, said it would also boycott the parade.


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