The LGPA has 100-plus members, so marching in the parade means other officers would not get their days off, Richardson added. It’s the first time we’ve had to miss,” Jamie Richardson, president of the Lesbian and Gay Police Association, told Playbook. “Instead of expressing curiosity about why his LGBTQ constituents may fear armed police officers walking with guns in the Pride Parade, Mayor Irvin is trying to score cheap political points.”Ĭhicago officers won’t be marching at all: A staffing shortage is keeping Chicago Police officers out of the Chicago Pride Parade on June 26. “LGBTQ people are six times more likely to be stopped by police and three times more likely to be incarcerated than non-LGBTQ people,” Equality Illinois CEO Brian Johnson told Playbook. The mayor of Aurora and GOP candidate for governor defended the move, saying the appearance of uniformed officers is “one of the basic principles of community policing,” according to a statement.īut critics say Irvin is playing politics. Richard Irvin’s decision to boycott Aurora's Pride Parade because police officers aren't allowed to march in full uniform is fueling a political debate about the relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community. Happy Pride Month, Illinois. Summer festivals - and an election - are finally in sight.
