3.00PM: The organisers of the Auckland Pride Parade have reiterated that no individuals have been banned from marching in the forthcoming Pride Parade. Auckland Pride has released a prepared statement following speculation reported yesterday that the Department of Corrections had been denied permission to be in the parade and revelations on GayNZ.com Daily News this morning that it had decided Corrections staff can march but only if they doff their uniforms and do not formally represent their employer. “Auckland Pride Festival checks all group applications to ensure the organisations they represent uphold the human rights of the Rainbow Community,” the statement says. “Out of all 63 applications we’ve received so far this year the Auckland Pride Festival board has discussed just two in detail. Auckland Pride Festival is currently talking to the Department of Corrections to address the board’s specific concerns which it believes may be contrary to the participation criteria. The meeting is set to take place this week. Again, it’s our hope that everyone can participate come 20th February. No individuals have been banned from marching in the parade.” [Editor's note: GayNZ.com has already forwarded a series of specific questions relating to this situation to Pride through its public relations agency.]
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 27th January 2016 - 3:01pm