Canadian pride event bans country’s largest Jewish LGBT+ group from attending

As well as banning Ga'ava, Canada's oldest and largest Jewish LGBTQ group, they have also banned the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), the umbrella organisation representing the Jewish Federations of Canada and the largest representative body of Canadian Jewry.

Both Ga'ava and CIJA have condemned the decision in a joint statement, saying: "This exclusion, based on flimsy, politically motivated reasons decided behind closed doors... is a deeply discriminatory and undemocratic process. [It is] profoundly hurtful to LGBTQ+ Jews."

Eta Yudin, CIJA's vice president for Quebec, said she was "outraged" by the ban, noting that Fierté Montréal is supposed to be "dedicated to fostering a more inclusive Quebec".

She went on: "Through the ban, the festival is effectively telling our LGBTQ+ members and their Jewish allies that they are not welcome.

"Instead of standing together against hate, antisemitism, and homophobia, Montreal Pride has chosen to align with those who fuel hatred, seek to divide our society, and attack the shared Quebec values.”

Responding to the backlash, Fierté Montréal board member Marlot Marleau told Canada's CTV News that the ban has nothing to do with religion. Marleau said: "Any group or faith that shares our values is welcome. What's regulated is speech that doesn't align with the values of Fierté Montréal."

However, when asked by the news channel for examples of the exact "speech that doesn't align", Marleaau declined to do so.

To accusations of hate speech at Ga’ava, volunteer president Carlos A. Godoy, told the Montreal Gazette: "I've never heard such an outlandish and ludicrous statement in my professional life."

The ban has come after Canadian singer Safia Nolin, who was expected to perform at the event, announced she was pulling out. She explained her reason: "Last year, the Israeli flag was in the parade. How does that make you feel? This is unacceptable."