Religious Groups Lead NY Gay Pride Parade

MSN news quoted Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum of New York City's Congregation Beth Simchat Torah. She said, "We stand for a progressive religious voice. Those who use religion to advocate an anti-gay agenda I believe are blaspheming God's name."

Well, things seem to be changing, as not only this but other religious groups stood at the front of the annual gay pride parade as some revelers gyrated in bikini bottoms, in celebration of their sexuality. Buddhist groups carried signs that read, "Construct Dignity in Your Heart" and "Don't Block Your Buddha. A float with a huge rainbow flag was sported by the gay Roman Catholic group Dignity. Rabbi Sharon Kleingbaum and Rev. Troy Perrry were the grand marshals of the parade on Sunday. The two waved from his and her convertibles.

Toni Cianni, an onlooker from Perth, remarked that she was shocked at how prominent the religious groups were. Msn.com quoted her. She said, " I thought the religious groups had hijacked the parade. I couldn't put it together, religion and sexuality."

The Associated Press reports that the gay pride parade is one of many held around the world. The parade is a tribute to the 1969 Stonewall riots. During the riots, customers at a gay bar in Greenwich Village fought back against police that were raiding the bar. Sunday's parade featured all kinds of things that are often considered outrageous such as a bunch of drag queens wearing feather boas, lesbians that rode motorcycles, marching bands, rugby players, and samba dancers.

The parade occurred a mere few days after the New York State assembly passed a bill. The bill's purpose was to legalize same-sex marriage. Governor Elliot Spitzer supports the bill. However, it is not likely that the bill will pass the Republican-controlled state senate anytime soon. In spite of the long wait, people who attended the parade said that they were excited that the Assembly was taking some action, reported the Helena Independent Record.