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ARRESTS AT TORONTO'S GAY PRIDE PARADE

It seems that not only the old grey mare "ain't what she used to be"; but neither is the Toronto Gay Pride Parade.

One of the major changes this year is that not only did the Toronto police warn parade organizers against genital nudity, but when it did occur, despite the warnings, the police laid charges against seven (7) individuals for their violation of the law. This was clearly a change from previous Gay Pride Parades, attributable to all of you who took the time to write to Julian Fantino, Toronto's Chief of Police, objecting to his department's failure to uphold the law. REAL Women, as an organisation, was also very insistent that the law be upheld, constantly speaking with, and writing to police officials about this matter, and following up on their failure to act by appealing the matter to the Police Services Board. Homosexuals are entitled to the same rights as other Canadians - but they must also accept the same responsibilities as others - namely, to keep on their clothes when marching down Toronto streets in accordance with the clear provisions of the Criminal Code.

The second difference in this year's Gay Pride Parade is that the newspapers did not publish, as a fact, the absurd number of spectators, as they have in the past. Instead, the papers referred to the fact that organizers said there were one million spectators. Right. In fact, the parade route was 3300 metres in length, and if there were 1,000,000 spectators, this would require 425,000 on each side of the route, which would have required a crowd density of 151.5 persons deep on each side of the street. Since the sidewalks on Toronto's Yonge Street have a maximum capacity of 4-7 people, it is obvious that the 1,000,000 crowd capacity is far beyond credibility and in fact, is utterly ridiculous. A very generous estimate of the crowds on the street watching the Parade, including the estimated 10,200 marchers, would appear to be about 71,000 people.

The grossly exaggerated number of supposed spectators is apparently even getting to the Parade's supporters. A letter published in the National Post (July 3, 2002) by a gay man, stated the obvious, namely, that the 1,000,000 spectator estimate was mathematically impossible, and, he concluded by stating, "The parade is a great idea. I just don't see the need to grossly inflate the attendance numbers."

There were clearly fewer in the crowds at this year's Parade, no doubt due to a number of factors. The most probable reason is that the Parade was déjà vu - the same old thing - a group of exhibitionists showing off. Moreover, the Parade had to compete with another healthier and more exuberant demonstration a few streets over, the celebration of Brazil's win over Germany for the world soccer cup. (All these celebrants joyously whooped it up with their clothes on.) This, coupled with the extraordinarily hot day (35Cº), led to far smaller crowds and less enthusiasm.

Thirdly, oddly there were no "names" leading this year's Parade. Even Allan Rock, who usually serves as an obedient lap-dog for all and every homosexual undertaking, was absent from this year's Parade. Perhaps his absence was due to his ambitions for the federal Liberal leadership and a desire to temper his light-weight trendy image. Certainly "gravitas" is not Rock's strong point.

REAL Women will continue to monitor the Toronto Police actions in regard to homosexual activists who are acting contrary to the law at the Gay Pride Parade. We will also monitor the outcome of the court proceedings on the nudity charges.

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