Dedham Savings Pulls Out of Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade

DEDHAM, MA — With controversy surrounding the Boston St. Patrick's Day parade, a local sponsor is pulling out of the annual celebration.

In a move to support OUTVETS, Dedham Savings announced Wednedsay that they have dropped their sponsorship of the event.

"The Dedham Institution for Savings is deeply disappointed by the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council's decision to not allow a place for OUTVETS in this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade. Our sponsorship was registered with the assumption that this event would remain inclusive to all. We believe that this decision dishonors all veterans who serve our nation with bravery and distinction. We will not be marching in this year's parade unless this issue is resolved promptly by the council," the company said in a statement.

The controversy began when OUTVETS, a group that supports LGBT military veterans, was denied a spot in the parade.

"The Council did not give a clear reason, but, given the tenor of the Council's deliberations, one can assume it's because we are LGBTQ," OutVets posted on Facebook. "This is a sad day for the LGBTQ community and for veterans of all backgrounds."

The parade's website says it does not ban groups based on sexual orientation, but "will not allow the advertisement or display of one's sexual orientation as a topic that should in any way be depicted as a theme of our parade."

The parade's chief marshal, Mass Fallen Heroes Executive Director Dan Magoon, resigned over the decision.

“The freedom that we possess to hold such an event as the St. Patrick’s Parade, is due to the men and women who have spilled their blood in defense to this great nation, regardless of their race, religion, gender or sexual orientation,” he said in a statement.

Officials like Gov. Charlie Baker and State Reps. Seth Moulton and Stephen Lynch, among others, have condemned the decision and likely won't attend.

Moulton, a Marine veteran, said the decision is "outrageous and disgraceful."

Stop & Shop has also pulled their sponsorship. Anheuser-Busch said it is "evaluating our participation in this event and urge the parade organizers to reverse their decision."

Mike Carraggi contributed to this report.

Photo by Tim Pierce via Flickr