The possibility remains open that the Auckland Pride Festival's position on the Department Of Corrections presence in the forthcoming Pride Parade may be modified. Corrections staff march in uniform at last year's Auckland Pride Parade. (Pic: Andrea/GayNZ.com) After mounting public speculation that Corrections was banned from the parade, and an unclear statement from Pride itself, Corrections confirmed to GayNZ.com on Wednesday morning that it had been told the Department itself cannot have a presence, though its gay and gay-supportive staff can march out of uniform and not representing their employer. A Pride board member subsequently advised GayNZ.com Daily News that Corrections, which has been targeted by the No Pride In Prisons group for its on-going shabby treatment of trans prisoners, clearly did not meet Pride's newly-instituted Human Rights vetting requirements for the Parade but that a discussion meeting between the two parties would be held yesterday. Pride this afternoon said that the two organisatons are still “talking about this issue” and “we have nothing further to share at this point until the final position is agreed.” It is understood any final public statement of position on the contentious issue is likely to be at least a week away.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 29th January 2016 - 6:23pm