Fredericton Pride festival cancelled, organizers cite harassment, safety concerns

FREDERICTON -

Organizers of the annual Pride festival in Fredericton say they've cancelled this year's edition because the group's board members are facing intense harassment.

In a social media post late Thursday night, Fierte Fredericton Pride said the decision "has not been made lightly" and that organizers considered alternatives.

The group didn't give details about its reasons for cancelling the event, but earlier in July had condemned the "backlash" it received for its vocal support of Palestinians in the war with Israel, and its decision to name an activist organization called Fredericton Palestine Solidarity as grand marshal in the city's Pride parade.

"The backlash we have received for our solidarity against genocide has been homophobic, racist, and religiously-intolerant," the group said on social media July 4. "Characterizing Palestinians as terrorists is racist and irresponsible. That kind of rhetoric puts Palestinian lives in danger, not just in Gaza, but around the globe."

On Thursday night, Fierte Fredericton Pride said its board members have received "harassment including individuals posing as board members on social media and implicating our workplaces, our well-being and livelihoods have been negatively impacted."

"In order to ensure our own safety, that of our performers, and our volunteers, Fierte Fredericton Pride has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2024 festival."

The organization declined interviews.

The volunteer-run group said any outstanding invoices will be paid and the organization will be left "in good order."

The City of Fredericton said on social media it was still moving ahead Friday afternoon with a Pride flag-raising ceremony outside city hall. "The City of Fredericton is committed to being an inclusive city where everyone feels valued, respected, safe, included, and where all members have equitable access to opportunities, resources, and services," it said.

Fierte Fredericton Pride was scheduled to run from July 12-24, with Fredericton Palestine Solidarity leading the event's pride parade on July 21.

In the July 4 post on social media, the organization said it has "always" welcomed Jewish people to participate in the festival and parade, adding that claims that the festival's solidarity with Palestine is antisemitic are false and grossly misrepresent the organization.

"It should not be considered radical for a Pride organization to be anti-genocide, antiwar, or anti-apartheid. It should not be controversial for the queer community to show solidarity with a people who are being actively and indiscriminately exterminated."

Sgoolai Israel Synagogue, which had opposed Fredericton Palestine Solidarity as grand marshal in the parade, said in a statement it was "relieved" the group won't have a platform at Pride.

The New Brunswick chapter of advocacy group Independent Jewish Voices said its "understanding of the current situation is that (the festival's cancellation) is unrelated to the decision to appoint Fredericton Palestine Solidarity as grand marshal." But it declined further comment.

In a letter sent to Fredericton City Council last week, Independent Jewish Voices gave its support for the festival's choice of Fredericton Palestine Solidarity as grand marshal of this year's Pride parade.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 12, 2024.

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