July 10, 1997
GAY PRIDE ORGANIZERS APPEAL FOR GOOD TASTE
By STEPHANIE RUBEC
Ottawa Sun
Organizers of the gay pride parade are hoping participants keep the celebration tasteful but are not issuing any orders warning them to avoid a repeat of what happened in Toronto.
Last week, some men were in bondage as they paraded through the streets of Toronto and others dropped their drawers and went completely nude during that city's march.
Yvon Vaillant, chairman of the local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Week committee, said even if he hasn't set standards of proper attire for Sunday's parade, participants have been asked to keep things in good taste.
"There's been no discussion of guidelines of participation," said Vaillant. "Participants are responsible for their own behavior. We haven't told them what to do."
Vaillant said he expects Ottawa participants will follow the law, and if they don't they'll have to face police.
"There are rules in society and there are laws in society and every responsible citizen has to abide by those laws," said Vaillant, who expects some women will bare their breasts in the parade if the weather permits. "If they break the laws it will be up to police to take the appropriate steps."
Regional police Sgt. Ray Thomas said he's contacted Pride Week organizers to discuss the definition of acceptable behavior.
"I'm telling my officers to use common sense," said Thomas. "Whatever happens, we'll deal with it when it happens."
Thomas said the seven police officers assigned to the parade won't intervene if women decide to shed their tops but will have to decide whether to intervene if more clothing starts coming off.
"That's something we'll have to handle if it happens," said Thomas. "Hopefully nothing will happen."