Originally posted by Not Prince Hamlet
John,
Yeah, that's not a very convincing interview. I can't determine what exactly happened from that one. Please do post more articles on that, if you can.
I for one don't think anybody should be forced to march in any parade whose values do not represent your own. If he forced homophobes to march in the parade, then in my opinion, he was wrong to do so.
Jeff
Fox News/AP - Friday, March 01, 2002
PROVIDENCE, R.I. Firefighters who were allegedly forced by the city government to ride in a gay pride parade last year despite religious and moral objections are threatening to sue unless officials make participation in future parades voluntary.
Last June, members of Engine Company No. 7 rode on an engine through downtown Providence as part of the privately-run parade. The fire department's policy is to send personnel and equipment to public events whenever requested to do so, provided they can be spared, according to Fire Chief James Rattigan.
Steven Brown, executive director of the state American Civil Liberties Union, wrote a letter to Rattigan that "[a] number of firefighters apparently objected to this assignment, having sincere moral and religious objections to being in such a parade." Their objections were ignored, according to Brown.
Brown, on behalf of three of the firefighters participating in the parade, demanded a promise from city officials that only willing volunteers would be asked to participate in the future.
"If they're not willing to give that assurance, then we'll have to consider litigation," Brown said later.
City Solicitor Charles Mansolillo sent a reply on Friday, but that reply did not indicate any change in policy.
The firefighters' desire not to participate in the parade should not be interpreted as anti-homosexual prejudice, Brown said.
"The fact that they are not supporters of gay rights doesn't mean that they're not going to put out a fire at a gay person's home," Brown said.
"They're professionals and they're asking to be treated as professionals and not be forced to partake in something that has nothing to do with their jobs.
This June will mark the 27th year the parade has been held. Mayor Vincent Cianci Jr. will serve as its grand marshal.
"The department believes that such regular involvement in local and community celebration adds to the whole of the festivities and fosters a public perspective on the fire department and related public safety issues," Mansolillo wrote in his response to Brown's letter.
"Firefighters' inclusion in the parade is generally an important demonstration of community solidarity," Jennifer Levi of the Boston-based Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders said.
Alexis Gorrianan, the mayor's liaison to the gay community and president of the Rhode Island Pride Committee, which runs the parade, did not return a call for comment. The Associated Press contributed to this report.