Ottawa’s annual weeklong Pride festival begins this weekend in the middle of a controversy following a statement by organizing group, Capital Pride, expressing solidarity with Palestine.
The move prompted the Jewish Federation of Ottawa to withdraw its support for the event and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to refuse to participate in events during Pride Week run by Capital Pride itself.
The mayor announced his decision with a social media post.
In their Aug. 8 statement, Capital Pride wrote: “Following Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, the world watched in horror as the full extent of the atrocities committed against civilians were uncovered.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the acts of terrorism committed that day. By the same token, we cannot stay silent in the face of Israel’s endless and brutal campaign in Gaza and mounting violence in the West Bank, where innocent Palestinians — many of whom have friends, families and loved ones in our communities — are being slaughtered, dehumanized and dispossessed of their land in flagrant violation of international law. …”
Capital Pride organizers also said they would work with resources such as the Palestinian BDS National Committee’s boycott list was they examine current and future sponsorship agreements.
They also committed to recognizing what they call the genocide against Palestinians in opening remarks at Capital Pride Festival Signature Events. And they pledged to do what they can to push for a ceasefire in the Middle East.
They also noted one of the signature events of this year’s Pride Week is Zaffa: A Queer Arab Showcase, which features discussions about issues facing LGBTQIA+ Arabs locally and abroad.
In their decision, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa said in part that “given apital Pride’s refusal to adjust its stance and the significant harm this position poses to the safety of the Jewish community, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and our community partners have made the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from this year’s Pride Parade.
“This choice was not made lightly, but we cannot in good conscience support an event that marginalizes Jewish 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and the broader Jewish community. This choice also does not align with Capital Pride’s advertised mission: respecting the full diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.”
Sutcliffe said that he believes “Ottawa is a kind and welcoming city where everyone should feel included. I’m disappointed that despite conversations with the Jewish community, the board of Capital Pride has chosen to stand behind its original statement that caused significant hurt and distress for many members of the Jewish community.
“I encourage the board of Capital Pride to take steps to ensure no one feels excluded this year. It’s important to continue to support the 2LGBTQ+ community and defend the values of equity and inclusion that the Pride movement has always stood for. I will be attending Pride activities in the days ahead but unless there is a change in approach, I will not be participating in events organized by Capital Pride this year.”
Sutcliffe’s decision was praised by the federal Liberal government’s point person on antisemitism Montreal MP Anthony Housefather.
He tweeted “This is a very welcome statement by Mayor@_MarkSutcliffe. I very much hope Capital Pride will listen to his sage advice & reconsider its position.”
While Sutcliffe has made his feelings known, other local politicians are choosing to participate including Somerset Ward Coun. Ariel Troster, who issued a statement saying, “as a queer Jew, I know how important it is for both queer and trans people to feel affirmed both by their faith/cultural communities and by the 2SLGBTQ+ community.”
College Ward Coun. Laine Johnson told the Ottawa Citizen she continued to support Pride in Ottawa. Her ward is home to Ottawa’s largest Jewish community, and, over the past 10 months, there has been increasing antisemitism in the area, she told the newspaper.
Capital Pride is putting on events every day from Saturday to Aug 25, when the festivities end with the annual pride parade.
Pride Week Events
Aug. 17: Clothing Swap at Jack Purcell Community Centre, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 17: Capital Pride Pageant at Southam Hall, National Arts Centre, 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Aug. 17: Pride Pageant After Party at Queen Street Fare, 10:30 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Aug. 18: Family Picnic at Hintonburg Park, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Aug. 18: Wake-Up Ottawa Kiki Ball at Bronson Centre, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Aug. 19: Flag Raising at Ottawa City Hall, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Aug. 20: Pride In the Park: Unplugged at Parkdale Park, 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Aug. 21: Human Rights Panel at Arts Court Theatre, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 21: Zaffa: A Queer Arab Showcase at National Arts Centre, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Aug. 22: Accent Queer: Francophone Panel on Inclusive Writing at National Gallery of Canada Theatre, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Aug. 22: Queered: A Mini-Fest at Arts Court Theatre, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Aug. 23: Friday Night Rogers Somerset Stage at Rogers Somerset Stage, 6:30pm – 12:00am
Aug. 23: Friday Night TD Main Stage at TD Main Stage, 7:00pm – 11:00pm
Aug. 24: Family Pride Zone at Dundonald Park, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Aug. 24: Capital Pride Street Festival at Bank Street, noon – 8 p.m.
Aug. 24: Community Stage at Bank & Florence, noon – 8 p.m.
Aug. 24: Drag Show Extravaganza at TD Main Stage, 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Aug. 24: Saturday Rogers Somerset Stage at Rogers Somerset Stage, 2 p.m. – midnight
Aug. 24: Saturday Evening at TD Main Stage: Tegan and Sara at TD Main Stage, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Aug. 25: Family Pride Zone at Dundonald Park, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Aug. 25: Capital Pride Street Festival at Bank Street, noon – 8 p.m.
Aug. 25: Capital Pride Parade at Elgin & Laurier, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Aug. 25: Post Parade Party at TD Main Stage, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Aug. 25: T-Dance: The Beat Goes On at Rogers Somerset Stage, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Aug. 25: Community Stage at Bank & Florence, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Aug. 25: The Final Dance at Rogers Somerset Stage, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
For more details, visit Capital Pride.
With files from Capital Current staff
