Mayor Marty Walsh says Boston can’t deny permit for ‘Straight Pride Parade’ based on values of organizers
“Permits to host a public event are granted based on operational feasibility, not based on values or endorsements of belief,” the mayor said in a series of tweets on Thursday.
Mayor Marty Walsh said in a series of tweets on Thursday evening that the city cannot deny the proposed “Straight Pride Parade” a permit because of disagreements with event organizers’ values or beliefs.
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Walsh said permits for public events in the city are granted based on “operational feasibility.”
“The City of Boston cannot deny a permit based on an organization’s values,” the mayor wrote.
Mark Sahady, vice president of the group — Super Happy Fun America — organizing the event, wrote on Facebook last week that the parade could be held on Aug. 31.
Walsh said the parade has not yet received a permit, but is “working to amend their application for permits to host a public event.”
Separate of the proposed event, which has garnered widespread condemnation, Walsh emphasized that the city’s values of “respect, diversity, and acceptance of all” remain clear.
“Whatever outside groups may try do, our values won’t change,” he said. “I invite each and every person to stand with us, and show that love will always prevail. Join us in celebration this Saturday for the [Boston Pride] Parade and in the fight for progress and equality for all.”
I know everyone has read the news about the “Straight Pride Parade” group that’s looking to host a parade in Boston. We want to clear a few things up.
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) June 6, 2019
Second, permits to host a public event are granted based on operational feasibility, not based on values or endorsements of beliefs. The City of Boston cannot deny a permit based on an organization’s values.
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) June 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/marty_walsh/status/1136752380576436224
