Capital Pride controversy: CHEO withdraws from parade [Video]

There will not be a CHEO contingent at this year’s Capital Pride Parade.

The move follows Capital Pride’s statement earlier this month expressing solidarity with Palestinians and criticizing the actions of the Israeli government amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The statement condemned the Hamas terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023, but also pledged to “recognize the ongoing genocide against Palestinians” in opening remarks at 2024 Capital Pride Festival signature events, and integrate the Palestinian BDS National Committee’s boycott list in its review of current and future sponsorship agreements.

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The statement drew significant backlash from Jewish residents and advocacy groups such as B’nai Brith Canada and the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, the latter of which announced this week it was withdrawing from the Capital Pride Parade.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said Thursday he, too, would not be participating in Capital Pride events this year, including the parade.

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