CAFE Pride

Controversial men's rights group banned from Pride

Controversial men's rights group the Canadian Association for Equality's (CAFE) has been barred from marching in the 2015 Pride Parade. After numerous complaints about the groups intention to participate, Pride Toronto sent the matter to its Dispute Resolution Process, which ultimately resulted in the group's permit to march being revoked.

This is what the leader of the DRP had to say.

"Given the number of complaints received in regards to the Canadian Association for Equality's (CAFE) intention to participate in the Pride Parade, after careful consideration, I have decided it would be appropriate for Pride Toronto to revoke CAFE's permit to be included in the Pride Parade this year.

My decision is based on balancing of interests: I considered CAFE's response that inclusion, diversity and equality are values the organization shares with Pride versus the numerous complaints filed against CAFE's participation arguing that CAFE, as an organization and through its affiliation with men's rights groups, contravenes Pride Toronto's vision to, "create a safe space to engage communities in the celebration of their sexuality.

I must give the complaints of members of the LGBTTIQQ2SA community precedence when
they indicate the participation of CAFE could directly undermine the participation of queer,
lesbian and trans women in the Pride Parade. Consequently, I determined that the Pride Parade is not the right venue for CAFE given Pride Toronto's vision to create a safe space for people of all genders and sexual orientation."

CAFE was also banned from last year's parade, though they managed to march nonetheless via affiliation with the Sherbourne Health Centre. The group is the first to have been barred from the parade via a formal DRP process.


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