Toronto Pride parade organizers on Sunday cancelled the annual event after a group of pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted it.
Media reports indicate more than two dozen protesters blocked the parade near the intersection of Yonge and Wellesley Streets, and chanted “from the river to the sea” and “Pride was a riot.” The Toronto Star reported the protesters disrupted the parade at around 5:30 p.m., more than three hours after it began.
Toronto Pride around 45 minutes later announced the parade’s cancellation. “Today, we made the decision to cancel the remainder of the Pride Parade out of our commitment to ensuring public safety,” they said in a statement. “While we deeply respect and uphold everyone’s right to peacefully protest, our foremost priority is the well-being of all participants and spectators.” “We recognize the Pride parade as a highly anticipated event that many organizations and individuals eagerly prepare for,” it added. “We empathize with those who were looking forward to participating and regret any inconvenience caused by this decision.” The Coalition Against Pinkwashing organized the protest.
Protesters disrupt NYC Pride parade This year’s Pride Month took place eight months after Hamas launched its surprise attack against southern Israel.