BOSTON: Mayor And Iraq Vet Who Was To Lead St. Patrick’s Parade Drop Out Over Banning Of Gay Group

Universal Hub reports:

Dan Magoon, who heads an organization to honor and support Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families, today quit his honorary position as head of the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day parade after its organizers voted to bar a gay veterans group from the procession.

Mayor Walsh [photo] also said this morning he will not march in the parade if the votes stands. In a message to the board of the Allied War Veterans Council this morning, Magoon, founder of Massachusetts Fallen Heroes, explained his decision to step down as chief marshal:

“I have worked hard over the years to support returning Veterans and their families. We have fought battles across this City, State and Country in regards to Veterans rights, benefits, employment, mental health, discriminatory practices, and many other significant areas important to our Veterans. To be a part of a parade excluding OutVets does not coincide with the work I do advocating for all Veterans.”

See my initial report from this morning here.