Police floats were also banned, in keeping with demands set by the Toronto chapter of Black Lives Matter following a 2016 protest during the parade. Police are in discussions with Pride Toronto on the status of their parade presence in June, but “no final decisions have been made, as yet,” said a Toronto police spokesperson, Meaghan Gray, in an email. For a community grappling with “emotional exhaustion” after the arrest of alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur , local activists say controversies about the case’s handling affect police participation in the Pride Parade. His arrest will probably influence the June festivities for an “emotionally exhausted” community, said Councilor Kristyn Wong-Tam (Ward 27 Toronto Centre—Rosedale). “I think the community wants to work with Toronto Police, I honestly believe that,” she said.

Source: thestar March 04, 2018 00:11 UTC