Grand Rapids Right to Life wanted to enter a float in the local Christmas parade replete with children and the theme “Life: A Precious Gift.” The parade is tomorrow, but the pro-life group will not be able to participate — even though the organization participated last year with the float and children in the picture (right).
The kids gave out candy to people along the parade route and everyone had a wonderful time. Not this year.
A local newspaper has more on how pro-lifers got the boot:
“This year we filled out an entry form per normal and they refused us,” said Laura Alexandria, director of operations for Grand Rapids Right to Life. “The understanding we received from (parade organizers) is that they wanted all of the entrants to be neutral.
“We certainly thought we were neutral (last year) by wearing Santa hats. The message on our float only says ‘Life: A Precious Gift.’”
CLICK LIKE IF YOU’RE PRO-LIFE!
The parade is sponsored by Art Van and run by the Grand Rapids Jaycees. Organizers did not respond to multiple phone and email requests for comment on Right to Life’s application to be in the parade.
“(The parade chairman) encouraged us to apply again next year because that volunteer board will change every year,” Alexandria said. “And, as they felt differently in 2012, they may feel differently in 2014.
ACTION: Complain to parade officials by going to https://santaparadegr.com/
