This Sunday's parade through the traditionally Irish-American enclave also will be shorter than years past: So much snow remains piled on sidewalks after the brutal winter that the city has had to cut the route in half.Īnd for the first time in two decades, a Boston mayor plans to be marching, too. Just like Pope Francis, he says, 'Who am I to judge?' Supreme Court upheld the organizers' right to keep gays out.īut Brian Mahoney commands the council now, and he's shrugging off questions about sexual orientation. Until now, gay rights groups have been barred by the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council from marching in the parade, which draws as many as a million spectators each year. 'This is a tremendous leap forward,' Boston Pride organizer Sylvain Bruni said Friday.
The advocacy group Boston Pride and OutVets, a group of gay military veterans, have been welcomed by the organizers. Patrick's Day parade in Boston will make history this Sunday as two gay and lesbian groups join the fun.
