Toronto Pride 'Israeli Apartheid' dispute grows

About20 current and past winners of Toronto Pride accolades plan to decline the honours at a news conference Monday in a battle over the role that politics should play at Pride events.

They're part of a backlash from some leaders in the gay and lesbian community that began in May, when Toronto Pride banned the use of the phrase "Israeli Apartheid" at its events, following complaints about allowing "discriminatory and exclusionary messaging."

Two people recently turned down the titles of grand marshal and honoured dyke over the decision, butthe runners-up accepted those positions last week.

'The fight can continue from within'

One of the new honorees, Todd Klinck, said although he does not support Pride's decision to ban the phrase, he believes in his right to show his own Pride.

"We respect the people who have declined the honour and we are not going to decline because this is an important parade. The fight can continue from within," he said.

Amanda Taylor, who accepted the other top honorary position, said she will march for those who cannot.

"We want to represent the people from the small towns who get a chance once a year to come into this city and say 'Wow, we are not alone. There are millions of us.'"

The activist group Queers Against Israeli Apartheid has said its members will attempt to march in the July 4 Pride Toronto parade despite the ban.

Elle Flanders, a member of Queers Against Israeli Apartheid,is hoping the show of protest on Monday will convince Pride organizers to reconsider its decision.

"If these are the people that Pride honours then we are hoping that perhaps they will rethink this censorious move and will lift it and listen to the will of the community," she said.