Officials with Pride Calgary say uniformed police will be welcomed at this year’s pride parade despite the requests of a group.
The group YYC VOICES - Coalition for POC had asked Pride Calgary to consider placing a caveat on the participation of CPS members where officers would march in civilian attire without badges or weapons.
Representatives of the coalition wanted the members to wear T-shirts emblazoned with a message of ‘vigilance, courage, pride’.
The coalition, which is not affiliated with Calgary Pride, wants the festivities to be held in an inclusive space where officers recognize the racial tensions that exist between visible minorities and police.
"Calgary Police Service in particular has taken meaningful actions in support of the LGBTQ2S community," said Pride Calgary officials in a released statement. " A frequent participant in the Calgary Pride Festival, Calgary Police Service also has dedicated diversity outreach officers and a sexual and gender diversity advisory board. Calgary Pride is committed to expanding our engagement with them."
"We also acknowledge the important meaning that participating in the Calgary Pride Festival has for both LGBTQ2S officers and those who wish to support them, as well as the importance that feeling the support of the Calgary Police Service has to many members of the LGBTQ2S community."
The 26th annual Calgary Pride Festival runs from Friday, August 26 until Monday, September 5.
The 2016 Calgary Pride Parade will be held on Sunday, September 4 from noon until 1:30 p.m. The parade route spans 9 Avenue from 1St. S.E. to 11 St. S.W.
The parade route ends at Shaw Millennium Park where Pride in the Park celebrations will continue until 6:00 p.m.
With files from CTV's Rahim Ladhani
