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The head of Pride Toronto says he’s disappointed protest stopped parade
Global News
Kojo Modeste said in an interview that Pride Toronto has issued statements voicing support for LGTBQ+ Palestinians and civilians in Gaza devastated by the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The executive director of Pride Toronto says he is “very disappointed” that pro-Palestinian protesters forced Sunday’s annual parade to be cut short, arguing that meeting their demands would deprive the city’s LGBTQ+ community of essential support.
Kojo Modeste said in an interview that Pride Toronto has issued several statements voicing support for LGTBQ+ Palestinians and civilians in Gaza devastated by the Israel-Hamas conflict.
But Modeste added that he does not endorse the actions of protesters who gathered near the intersection of Yonge and Wellesley and blocked the parade route, with some holding banners that read “No Pride in genocide” and “Stop pinkwashing,” while chanting “Free Palestine.”
“I was not shocked. But I was very disappointed,” Modeste said.
“Pride being a protest, I think it’s something that can happen at any time. But for me, it must be done respectfully. It must be done peacefully and should not interfere with other folks wanting to enjoy and celebrate Pride.”
Sunday’s parade began at 2 p.m., as large crowds joined one of Canada’s largest Pride events, blowing whistles, banging drums, marching and waving flags through downtown Toronto.
A few hours later, Toronto police posted on social media that a demonstration had caused a disruption. Pride Toronto then announced that the remainder of the parade had been cancelled, citing safety concerns.
Modeste said the decision to cancel the parade was made after he and a group of elders from the LGBTQ+ community approached the protesters, who explained they would not move unless Pride Toronto met their demands.