(NECN) – Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced on Sunday that he will not participate in the city’s St. Patrick's Day parade.
The mayor released a statement that read in part:
“I'm disappointed that this year, I will be unable to participate in the parade. As mayor of the city of Boston, I have to do my best to ensure that all Bostonians are free to participate fully in the civic life of our city. Unfortunately, this year, the parties were not able to come to an understanding that would have made that possible.”
This announcement comes after Mayor Walsh spent weeks trying to agree on a plan with parade organizers that would make the event more inclusive towards the gay community.
The mayor will, however, be present at the St. Patrick’s Day breakfast.