Pride parade cancelled after being halted by pro-Palestinian protesters
The annual Pride parade in Ottawa was abruptly cancelled on Sunday after a local pro-Palestinian advocacy group, Queers for Palestine — Ottawa (Q4P), blocked the road and demanded to negotiate with organizers. The group halted the parade with the permission of the grand marshal, causing a stir as protesters chanted from Parliament Hill.
The group issued several demands to Capital Pride, including holding a “boycott, divestment and sanctions” hall and committing to an ongoing cultural and academic boycott of Israel. They also called on Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and other elected officials to apologize for the 2024 boycott of Capital Pride and stand with oppressed peoples, including Palestinians.
Capital Pride announced the parade’s cancellation just before 3 p.m. on Instagram, citing unsuccessful attempts to make last-minute route changes. Mayor Sutcliffe expressed regret over the cancellation, acknowledging the disappointment of those who were looking forward to the celebration.
In 2024, Capital Pride faced controversy over a statement condemning acts of terrorism and Israel’s campaign in Gaza, leading to the withdrawal of support from various groups and individuals. This year, the statement was removed from the website, sparking a campaign by Q4P to reinstate it and show support for Palestinians.
Despite the parade cancellation, the festival on Bank Street is still scheduled to continue until 8 p.m. Drivers and public transit users are advised to check for traffic delays and road closures in the downtown area. The parade route, which had been shortened in 2024 due to police coverage issues, was set to pass by Parliament Hill this year.
The events surrounding the Pride parade highlight the ongoing tensions and activism within the LGBTQ+ community in Ottawa. As discussions continue around support for marginalized groups and the intersectionality of various causes, it remains to be seen how future Pride events will navigate these complex issues.
