Politicians and Candidates Shun Antigay Boston Parade

The mayor of Boston and two candidates for the Massachusetts Senate are refusing to march in the South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade because it bars LGBT groups from participating.

Mayor Thomas Menino, who took a hard line against antigay chicken chain Chick-fil-A, will not participate in the parade. Linda Forry and Maureen Dahill, candidates for the state legislature, also declined to march. The Boston Pride organization commended the three for drawing a line in the sand and invited them to join the St. Patrick's Day Peace Parade, where LGBT groups are welcome, on Saturday.

"The Boston Pride Parade always welcomes everyone and we understand better than most why it is important to be inclusive and to denounce bigotry," Linda DeMarco, president of Boston Pride, said in a statement. "We are proud to support the Peace Parade and we applaud candidates and elected officials who stand with us in denouncing this discriminatory practice."

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