Montreal Pride Bars Jewish Groups, Cites Gaza Conflict

Fierté Montréal has barred both Ga’ava, a Jewish LGBTQ+ group, and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) from participating in this year's Pride Parade, citing the spread of hateful discourse following complaints and mounting tensions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The decision drew sharp criticism from five federal MPs, who called it profoundly hurtful and contrary to Pride’s values of inclusion. Fierté Montréal issued a statement condemning the 'ongoing genocide in Gaza,' expressing solidarity with Palestinians and asserting that the ban aims to prevent the parade from being used for geopolitical purposes. Leaders from Ga’ava and CIJA, along with other community members, condemned the move as discriminatory and exclusionary towards Jewish identities at Pride. The controversy comes amid public pressure from some performers and activists who oppose Ga’ava’s perceived support for Israel. The situation underscores deep divisions within the LGBTQ+ community regarding the Israel-Hamas war and the complexities surrounding queer Jewish representation.