Staten Island St. Patrick's Day Parade continues to ban LGBTQ+ groups

NEW YORK - Staten Island's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade is filled with pride and joy. But for LGBTQ+ groups, it has been a time of frustration. They've been banned from participating for years, and 2022 is no different.

The Pride Center of Staten Island and the Gay Officers Action League in New York told FOX 5 NY's Lissette Nunez that they attempted to sign up to participate in the parade, which is scheduled for March 6, but were denied. 

The parade application states in bold capital letters, "THE PARADE IS NOT TO BE USED FOR AND WILL NOT ALLOW POLITICAL OR SEXUAL IDENTIFICATION AGENDAS TO BE PROMOTED."

FOX 5 NY reached out to organizers for a comment but have yet to hear back.

Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, a Republican, said he plans on attending this year.

"While I wish the parade organizers would reach a different decision, ultimately it is their decision, not the government's," Fossella said in a statement.

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Statement by Staten Island Borough President

The Staten Island St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of our very best traditions, an event that my family and I have enjoyed throughout the years and will do so again this year. While I wish the parade organizers would reach a different decision, ultimately it is their decision, not the government's. Now more than ever, as we finally are escaping the grip of COVID mandates, we need to come together with a renewed sense of community and celebrate. With this in mind, there is still some time before the event and I encourage the parties to continue to meet in an effort to reach a resolution that will allow all Staten Islanders to celebrate together. —Vito Fossella, Borough President