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As a spokesperson for the Irish Republican Socialist Party's international department, I must denounce the organisers of the New York St. Patrick's Day parade for continuing to deny the Irish Lesbian & Gay Organisation the right to march in the annual parade.
St. Patrick's Day in America is not about Catholic theology, but about proud identification with Irish culture and heritage. To organise the largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the world within the limits of Catholic teachings is an example of religious sectarianism, no different from that which oppresses the Nationalist people of the six counties. The IRSP denounce religious sectarianism in all forms and in all places. Lesbians and gays are a part Irish society, just as they are of all human societies. A band of Irish American's hiding behind the folds of the Pope's robes have no right to deny these women and men their Irish nationality or heritage. The Pope has just acknowledged the many sins of the Church over the centuries and asked for the world's forgiveness. It is time for the parade organisers in New York to acknowledge their error in denying ILGO the right to march, and atone by including ILGO in the parade alongside other Irish women and men in a celebration of the diversity of modern Irish society." Peter Urban International Secretariat Irish Republican Socialist Party/ North American Coordinator Irish Republican Socialist Committees 2057 15th Street, Suite B San Francisco, CA 94114 USA Phone/fax: 415-861-1355 irsp@netwizards.net |