Aug 6
Montreal Pride Parade Reverses Ban on Jewish LGBTQ+ Groups Amid Community Outcry
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Montreal Pride, known locally as Fierté Montréal, has reversed its recent decision to ban Jewish LGBTQ+ groups from participating in the city’s annual Pride parade. The reversal follows a week marked by public outcry, appeals from political figures, and demands from community organizations for a more inclusive approach to representation within the festival .
The controversy began when Fierté Montréal announced it would exclude Ga’ava, a Montreal-based Jewish LGBTQ+ group, from the 2025 parade. Organizers cited statements made by Ga’ava’s president regarding pro-Palestinian groups as the reason for the ban. The festival, which receives sponsorship from various levels of government, including federal and provincial authorities as well as the City of Montreal, faced immediate scrutiny over this decision .
Ga’ava’s president denied making any hateful remarks, emphasizing that the group stands for inclusivity and dialogue. Leaders of the organization called on government officials to intervene, arguing that their exclusion undermined the core values of Pride .
The ban quickly sparked a wave of responses from across the LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities, as well as from political leaders. Montreal-area Liberal Member of Parliament Anthony Housefather and other politicians publicly urged Fierté Montréal to reconsider, stating that the decision was inconsistent with the principles of diversity and equality that Pride is meant to uphold .
In addition, both the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and Ga’ava received widespread support on social media, with many users expressing relief and celebration when the reversal was announced .
After several days of mounting public criticism and behind-the-scenes conversations with stakeholders, Fierté Montréal issued a statement reversing the ban. Organizers acknowledged that excluding Jewish LGBTQ+ groups was not aligned with the festival’s mission of inclusion. They stated, “We recognize that our decision to exclude these groups conflicted with the spirit of Pride, which is to create a space for all LGBTQ+ people to come together in solidarity and celebration” .
The statement further emphasized a renewed commitment to dialogue and understanding, vowing to work with all community groups to ensure the parade remains a welcoming event for everyone, regardless of background or political beliefs.
The incident has prompted wider discussions within the LGBTQ+ community about the challenges of balancing political tensions with the core values of inclusion and diversity. Many advocates argue that Pride events must remain spaces where marginalized groups, including religious and ethnic minorities, feel seen and supported .
Jewish LGBTQ+ organizations in Montreal and across Canada hope that the reversal signals a broader commitment to intersectionality and solidarity within the Pride movement. “This decision to reinstate Jewish groups is not just about one parade,” said a spokesperson from Ga’ava. “It’s about recognizing the unique identities and experiences that each community brings to the fabric of LGBTQ+ life in Montreal and beyond” .
As Montreal Pride prepares for its 11-day festival, organizers say they are focused on ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. The parade is expected to proceed with the participation of both CIJA and Ga’ava, with renewed emphasis on unity and mutual respect .
Community leaders hope this incident will serve as a catalyst for deeper conversations about inclusion, intersectionality, and the responsibilities of Pride organizers in representing the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities.
