Andrea SannaBan lifted after 60 years
The historic ban on LGBTQIA groups marching in the Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade has finally been lifted after 60 years. The change marks a significant turning point for the entire LGBTQIA community and for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
17 March is the day when Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick, is celebrated with the world’s most famous parades. However, LGBTQIA groups were not welcome at the Staten Island parade and were effectively excluded on religious and political grounds. A ban that had been justified for years on the basis of the teachings of the Catholic Church and the conservative tradition of the Irish community itself.
Not only that, but LGBTQIA people were also banned from marching in the St Patrick’s Day parade, a ban that was lifted in 2014 after 20 years.
Edward Patterson, the new head of the parade committee, announced that LGBTQIA groups would be allowed to return to the parade.
“Simply put, it’s time. People have come forward and asked for a change of attitude that, frankly, wanted the controversy to go away.”
The ban on LGBTQIA groups has been the subject of much controversy and boycotts over the years. Even public figures such as Miss Staten Island 2020 and Councilman Joseph Borelli have been banned from the parade for displaying symbols of support for the LGBTQIA community.
