This isn’t Boston. Brings a new meaning to the Gangs of New York
Via CNS News
For the first time in two decades, the mayor of New York City will not march in the annual St. Patrick Day’s Parade on March 17 but will instead join the “St. Pat’s for All” parade in Queens that will feature gay marchers, including Irish drag queen Pandora Panti Bliss.
“I am not planning on marching in the parade,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a City Hall press conference on Feb. 4, as reported by the New York Daily News on Feb. 5.
“I will be participating in a number of other events to honor the Irish heritage of this city, but I simply disagree with the organizers of that parade,” said de Blasio, who did not specify what events he would join.
The Daily News also reported that the annual parade – which dates back to 1766 – does not prohibit homosexuals from taking part but does restrict signage.
“Parade planners have said gays are welcome to join the procession, which is expected to draw more than 1 million people on March 17, but they cannot identify themselves in any way by their sexual orientation,” the Daily News article stated.