The only Jewish LGBT group in Italy excluded from the Pride march in Rome. “I didn't pass their political exam”
The organizers of the Pride march in Rome have banned Italy's only LGBT group from joining the parade, saying that Keshet Italia did not condemn Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide, reports Reuters. The decision caused negative reactions from Jewish organizations.
In a statement issued after a meeting with representatives of Keshet Italia and Keshet Europa, Roma Pride stated that the conditions do not exist for the Jewish LGBT group to have an allegorical float at the June 20 event.
“Pride is an open and free demonstration, organizers said, adding that anyone who shares the movement's founding values can join the march. But the presence of an allegorical chariot would mean you support Roma Pride's political platform.”
“Our position on the ongoing genocide in Gaza by the State of Israel is clear,” the statement said.
Roma Pride claims to distinguish between the government of Israel and the Jewish community and not to blame the latter for the war crimes of a “genocidal government”. However, the organizers believe that Keshet Italia is responsible for not distancing itself from the “Gaza genocide”.
Keshet Italia protested his exclusion. “Roma Pride has unmasked itself. Through an official statement it admits that it excluded us because we did not pass their political exam”, announced the organization.
The decision was also criticized by the European Jewish Congress, saying that the decision risks conditioning the participation of Jewish associations in various events depending on the acceptance or not of various speeches.
“No one should be subjected to an ideological test in order to participate in a movement based on inclusion, dignity and equal rights,” the CEE said.
Gay Pride events are seen as celebrations of LGBT communities promoting visibility, equality and acceptance of its members. However, Roma Pride said its political platform is not “a buffet” from which participants choose what suits them.
