flyingtiger1013 Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0306/311407.html NEW YORK (AP) - The chairman of the nation's biggest St. Patrick's Day Parade marched Friday while sidestepping questions about remarks comparing gay Irish-American activists to neo-Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan and prostitutes. "Today is St. Patrick's Day. We celebrate our faith and heritage. Everything else is secondary," said the chairman, John Dunleavy, who wore a sash of the Irish colors. Dunleavy was blasted by the City Council's first openly gay leader for the remarks, which appeared in The Irish Times on Thursday. He told the newspaper, "If an Israeli group wants to march in New York, do you allow Neo-Nazis into their parade? If African Americans are marching in Harlem, do they have to let the Ku Klux Klan into their parade?" About the Irish Lesbian and Gay Organization, Dunleavy said, "People have rights. If we let the ILGO in, is it the Irish Prostitute Association next?" City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who is of Irish descent, said she didn't think Dunleavy's remarks were worth a response. She declined to participate in the Fifth Avenue parade after organizers barred an Irish gay and lesbian group for a 16th straight year. Huge crowds lined the streets at the start of the parade, waving Irish flags, wearing green hats and carnations and painting clovers on their faces. The city's parade, with 150,000 marchers and up to 2 million spectators, is the nation's oldest and largest St. Patrick Day parade. New York "is the kernel of the whole Irish community in the U.S.," said Joe Sanning, 52, an officer with the Ireland National Police Service in Tipparery, Ireland. "We don't have parades like this at home. Spectator Mary Sweeney, who moved to New York from Ireland 15 years ago with her two daughters, said, "I want them to grow up knowing their Irish heritage. Everyone wants to be Irish today." Still, Dunleavy's comments drew protests at Friday's parade. "The comments bring to the forefront a longstanding bigotry, and the bigotry often translates into violence in our communities," said graduate student Emmaia Gelman, 31. She was among a dozen demonstrators organized by a group called Irish Queers, who hoisted a sign that read, "Troops Out, Queers in," a reference to military groups participating in the parade. Efforts to let Irish gays march under their own banner date to 1991, when an ILGO application was first rejected by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the group that organizes the parade. Instead, 35 ILGO members were sprayed with beer and insults as they marched with a Manhattan division of the Hibernians and then-Mayor David Dinkins. It was the group's last parade appearance. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who marched in Friday's parade, declined to comment on the dispute, although he had earlier urged the Hibernians to change their stance. "I've always believed this is a city where all the parades should be open to everybody, and orientation, gender ... should not be the deciding thing," he said. The mayor marched earlier this month in an inclusive St. Patrick's parade in Queens. In Savannah, Ga., site of the nation's second-largest St. Patrick's parade, hundreds of people lined the streets, sipping Bloody Marys beneath the live oaks and resting in folding chairs two-rows deep. Dozens of families even set up party tents a day in advance on the city's famous squares. Philip Dressel, 18, spent Thursday night in the tent that his mother and aunt set up and guarded throughout the day. "I took the night shift," Dressel said. "It's pretty serious. All the families down here take it seriously." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dreamingwolf Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 She was among a dozen demonstrators organized by a group called Irish Queers, who hoisted a sign that read, "Troops Out, Queers in," a reference to military groups participating in the parade. what exactly is that protest trying to achieve, completely polarize everyone who isnt gay to support them? Im not gay but I hate th military so I will support you, Im not gay but I like the military so I will not support you. I mean really, when you want to be included I would think you would be trying to make friends not start fights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Chaos47 Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 This is a total non-story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rincewind Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 I don't understand what Irish parade people have against gay people - first Boston and now NY (though, evidently, its been 16 years). Whats the big deal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingtiger1013 Posted March 17, 2006 Author Share Posted March 17, 2006 I think what some people are missing is the parade is for St. Patrick, not Ireland. St. Patrick is a religous Catholic saint. Last time I checked, homosexuality is not a Catholic tradition. (except for clergy... ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rincewind Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 I think what some people are missing is the parade is for St. Patrick, not Ireland. St. Patrick is a religous Catholic saint. Last time I checked, homosexuality is not a Catholic tradition. (except for clergy... ) That's like saying that you can't thank a current soldier on Veteran's day. C'mon, we all know its a Irish parade. Its just that it falls on St. Paddy's day since that is the only Irish 'holiday' we celebrate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Predicto Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 I think what some people are missing is the parade is for St. Patrick, not Ireland. St. Patrick is a religous Catholic saint. Last time I checked, homosexuality is not a Catholic tradition. (except for clergy... ) I don't think so. The parade is to celebrate the Irish community, and they do it on St Pat's day because it is associated with the Irish community. Just like the Columbus day parade is for the Italian community, and the Chinese new year parade is for the Chinese community. This one comment is particularly odd. "He told the newspaper, "If an Israeli group wants to march in New York, do you allow Neo-Nazis into their parade? If African Americans are marching in Harlem, do they have to let the Ku Klux Klan into their parade?" The Neo-Nazis hate Jews. The KKK hates blacks. The gay Irish people are not "anti-Irish," they are just gay, and happen to be Irish. The comparison is just stupid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zguy28 Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 This is a total non-story.Its just another chance for the homosexual organizations to cry "BIGOT! BIGOT!":2cents: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zguy28 Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 I don't think so. The parade is to celebrate the Irish community, and they do it on St Pat's day because it is associated with the Irish community. Just like the Columbus day parade is for the Italian community, and the Chinese new year parade is for the Chinese community. This one comment is particularly odd. "He told the newspaper, "If an Israeli group wants to march in New York, do you allow Neo-Nazis into their parade? If African Americans are marching in Harlem, do they have to let the Ku Klux Klan into their parade?" The Neo-Nazis hate Jews. The KKK hates blacks. The gay Irish people are not "anti-Irish," they are just gay, and happen to be Irish. The comparison is just stupid. I wouldn't advocate violence against any group ever, but you wait, this whole "homosexual agenda" thing is going to reach a boiling point soon because they are too pushy and intolerant of those around them who disapprove. Someone like Mass_Skinsfan and his pals are gonna be in some parade when the gays walk-on and there is going to be a shootout or something else horrible. You heard it here first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rincewind Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 I wouldn't advocate violence against any group ever, but you wait, this whole "homosexual agenda" thing is going to reach a boiling point soon because they are too pushy and intolerant of those around them who disapprove. Someone like Mass_Skinsfan and his pals are gonna be in some parade when the gays walk-on and there is going to be a shootout or something else horrible. You heard it here first. Hold on, you start out by blaming the gays - but end with Mass_Skinsfan and his lunatic militia shooting them for trying to show gay pride. This is the gay people's fault how? For wanting to be equal? You sound like you're justifing mass murder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Predicto Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 Its just another chance for the homosexual organizations to cry "BIGOT! BIGOT!":2cents: Well, because they feel people are being bigoted against them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rincewind Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 Well, because they feel people are being bigoted against them. And they're right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dreamingwolf Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 Well, because they feel people are being bigoted against them. well when you chant things like "queers in, troops out" inregards to who should be marching in the parade, I think your not going to make many friends Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Predicto Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 well when you chant things like "queers in, troops out" inregards to who should be marching in the parade, I think your not going to make many friends Is that what they were chanting each of the past 16 years they were excluded? I think there may be a little bitterness built up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twa Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 Is that what they were chanting each of the past 16 years they were excluded? I think there may be a little bitterness built up. Do you honestly think there are no gays in the parade? The group organizing it simply does not wish to allow gay groups a platform or endorse them in any way, nor is there a compelling reason for them to. Why can you not disaprove of gay orginizations or thier agendas without being a bigot? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thiebear Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 That's like saying that you can't thank a current soldier on Veteran's day. C'mon, we all know its a Irish parade. Its just that it falls on St. Paddy's day since that is the only Irish 'holiday' we celebrate. I think you mean Memorial Day.. Your a Veteran when your in... If you wish to be part of a parade, shouldnt you be part of it? IF not shouldnt you do your own parade... Lots of days in a year.. People spend too much time worrying about others and what their doing instead of planning on what you could be doing with your own time.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Predicto Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 Do you honestly think there are no gays in the parade?The group organizing it simply does not wish to allow gay groups a platform or endorse them in any way, nor is there a compelling reason for them to. Why can you not disaprove of gay orginizations or thier agendas without being a bigot? Well, you might try by not comparing them to Neo-Nazis or the KKK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rincewind Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 I think you mean Memorial Day.. Your a Veteran when your in...If you wish to be part of a parade, shouldnt you be part of it? IF not shouldnt you do your own parade... Lots of days in a year.. People spend too much time worrying about others and what their doing instead of planning on what you could be doing with your own time.. According to websters: vet'er-an - former member of the armed services. But Memorial Day works too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teller Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 Well, you might try by not comparing them to Neo-Nazis or the KKK. Research St. Patrick just a little, and see that his fundamental beliefs and homosexuality are at odds; just like blacks and the klan or nazis and Jews. Nobody insinuated that gays were going to take over Europe or that gays were lynching straights. Let's try to stick to facts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCRunner Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 Research St. Patrick just a little, and see that his fundamental beliefs and homosexuality are at odds; just like blacks and the klan or nazis and Jews. Nobody insinuated that gays were going to take over Europe or that gays were lynching straights. Let's try to stick to facts. You aren't serious are you? The Catholic Church does not consider the fact of being homosexual a sin. The Church does consider homosexual acts to be a sin but then again the Church considers sexual acts outside of Church sanctioned marriage a sin as well (and none of that divorce and remarriage sex nonsense, thank you very much!). The Church's and most religions' whole take on sex is a throwback to neanderthal times. But that's probably a whole other thread. There are Irish gays and to exclude them from a community event is hateful and contrary to anything I remember of the teachings of the Church. To justify their exclusion with those incredible ignorant and venal statements is a sin in and of itself. That idiot parade chairman needs to go to confession before he takes one more beer. Edited to add that after reading all these posts I am very bothered by the amount of homophobia displayed here. I think some posters here need to examine the source of their obvious fear and hatred of another man's (or woman's) sexual preference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twa Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 DC,, are gays being excluded or simply a gay GROUP? That to me is the relevant fact you are overlooking,much thesame as I am sure they would exclude any group promoting actions they do not agree with. Freedom of choice and association still prevails. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TradeTheBeal! Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 It is the Gay group - ILGO - that is being excluded. Were they to march they would be the only group in the parade that referenced their preferred method of orgasm. I dont think that the Irish Vibrator Caucus would be approved either. Also denied marching: IHAC - Irish Husbands Against Condoms IIPE - Irish Internet Porn Enthusiasts MPIL - Multiple Partner Irish Lasses Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rincewind Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 It is the Gay group - ILGO - that is being excluded. Were they to march they would be the only group in the parade that referenced their preferred method of orgasm. I dont think that the Irish Vibrator Caucus would be approved either.Also denied marching: IHAC - Irish Husbands Against Condoms IIPE - Irish Internet Porn Enthusiasts MPIL - Multiple Partner Irish Lasses Huh? How are the referencing their perfered method of orgasm? For all you know some could like to give and some receive. Seriously, how do you know they even have sex? Just because you are gay doesn't mean you have sex, it just means you are attracted to the same sex. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TradeTheBeal! Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 Huh? How are the referencing their perfered method of orgasm? For all you know some could like to give and some receive. Seriously, how do you know they even have sex? Just because you are gay doesn't mean you have sex, it just means you are attracted to the same sex. I was trying to inject a bit of levity into this, I'm sorry you missed it. The logic you are using regarding "gayness" is nebulous at best. It's like me saying that just because someone is a Redskin fan doesn't mean they like or watch football and i guess thats true - they could just be "attracted to it". However, that is inverse logic, you are arguing from the specific to the broad and the arguement is flawed. I think that it's safe to assume that the great vast majority of members of the ILGO have sex with members of the same gender. i'm not even sure why anyone would argue that, but I'm sure you have a reason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rincewind Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 I was trying to inject a bit of levity into this, I'm sorry you missed it. The logic you are using regarding "gayness" is nebulous at best. It's like me saying that just because someone is a Redskin fan doesn't mean they like or watch football and i guess thats true - they could just be "attracted to it". However, that is inverse logic, you are arguing from the specific to the broad and the arguement is flawed. I think that it's safe to assume that the great vast majority of members of the ILGO have sex with members of the same gender. i'm not even sure why anyone would argue that, but I'm sure you have a reason Well, did you ever think that maybe i just like to argue? I understand what you mean, but i still think you're wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.