STEINBACH — Steinbach Pride announced on its Facebook page that it has been granted street access for its inaugural parade, and will not be forced to march on the sidewalk.
The gay pride parade, planned for July 9, was initially declined a permit for street access, leading to uproar on social media. RCMP then told organizers it would “re-assess the request” due to safety reasons and because a lane of the street along the march route was under construction.
READ MORE: Safety concerns for Steinbach Pride March this summer
“The RCMP also negotiated with the city on behalf of Steinbach Pride and we are pleased to announced that we have been granted street access! We will not only be marching on the sidewalk!” Steinbach Pride wrote on its Facebook page.
Steinbach, a town of over 13,000, known for its religious associations, has seen much controversy after its city council is publicly not in support of the march.
A number of local politicians, including Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen, MLA Kelvin Goertzen (who is not related to the mayor), MP Ted Falk, have all said they will not support or attend the march in written statements to media.
However, there have been public and notable supporters, including Manitoba RCMP’s commanding officer Scott Kolody, who announced he would march in the parade.
RELATED: Manitoba RCMP reviewing permit denial for Steinbach’s pride march
Organizers say the Pride March for Equality in Steinbach has been meant as a show of support within Manitoba’s LGTQ community. Its page has announced it will now gather at Friesen Park, adjacent to the Jake Epp Library and then walk towards city hall.
“I will be there, my officers will be there and I know this will be a great event for all,” Kolody said in a Twitter post.
More to come.
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