(NECN: Katelyn Tivnan, Boston) - Boston Mayor Marty Walsh has brokered a tentative agreement with organizers of Boston's St. Patrick's Day Parade to make it more inclusive of the LGBT community.
MassEquality is looking forward to the possibility of marching this year - something they have been unable to do for close to two decades, after a Supreme Court ruling allowed parade organizers to keep gay and lesbian organizations out.
"It sounds like MassEquality is going to be marching in the parade this year, which is fantastic," said Kara Coredini. "The LGBT community faces many challenges that are much more pressing than our ability to participate in a parade, but this parade has always been a symbol of those challenges that we face."
"For the last 20 years, there's been kind of a cloud over it every single year," said Mayor Walsh. "Being of Irish heritage, it is important for me, but also making sure that we are fully inclusive here in the city of Boston."
But according to parade organizer John "Wacko" Hurley, the group will face some restrictions if they are to participate, including no signs or t-shirts referring to sexual orientation.
Hurley says the parade will remain a family-friendly event.
"There will be no signage, other than a banner, and they will be dressed properly, without their message," he said.
Despite the possible restrictions, MassEquality says the conversation alone is a historic step in the right direction.
"[My hope] is other parades around the country that have the same practices will follow suit, and Boston and Massachusetts can once again be a leader on LGBT issues," she said.
When asked about any possible restrictions regarding t-shirt or signs about sexuality, Walsh said signs aren't permitted by parade goers for anyone, but banners are.
Walsh had previously said he would skip the parade unless gay groups were invited to participate.
Mass Equality did not want to comment, saying it's too soon, and instead will wait to meet with parade organizers.
There is an ugly history here. Previous participation by the LGBTZYXPDQ crowd resulted in obscene costumes and inappropriate behavior. It's interesting that Mass Equality did not want to comment.
