Boston Straight Pride parade attracts more than 1,000 counter-protesters
The Mayor of Boston called for people to have block parties to disrupt the parade
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
The Boston ‘Straight Pride parade’ attracted more than 1,000 counter-protesters and three dozen people were arrested.
Over the weekend, a couple of hundred anti-LGBTQ people attended the ridiculous ‘Straight Pride parade’ – which was condemned by the Mayor of Boston – but the parade attracted a large number of counter-protesters who shouted: “Alt right, get off our streets, no justice, no peace.”
According to CNN, 34 people were arrested and four officers also suffered non-life threatening injuries.
The parade saw pro-Trump floats and signs including, ‘Build the wall and crime will fall’ and a man was seen wearing a hat with the phrase, ‘Great to be straight’.
Several arrests at Boston’s “Straight Pride Parade” #WCVB pic.twitter.com/2t5zDoHG1C
— John Atwater (@AtwaterWCVB) August 31, 2019
Monica Cannon-Grant of Black Lives Matter Cambridge – who helped organise one of the counter-protests – said: “I feel like they capitalised on Boston Pride, which is our LGBTQ celebration.
“They used it as their next thing to hate on.”
People express their displeasure as the “Straight Pride Parade” rolls through Boston #WCVB pic.twitter.com/ImJamlbR58
— John Atwater (@AtwaterWCVB) August 31, 2019
During the parade, nine people were taken to hospital and around 34 were arrested.
In a tweet, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh condemned the parade and called for people to have block parties on the route.
Walsh said: “This weekend I’m celebrating what makes our city so great – our people – by attending neighborhood block parties, visiting farmer’s markets and BBQs, and celebrating safe neighborhoods. I invite all residents of Boston to join me in doing the same.
“As I’ve said, a “Straight Pride” Parade won’t overshadow the tremendous role Boston plays in the national movement for equality. We will continue to be a leader in the fight for civil rights.”
As I’ve said, a “Straight Pride” Parade won’t overshadow the tremendous role Boston plays in the national movement for equality. We will continue to be a leader in the fight for civil rights.
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) August 31, 2019