Capital Pride controversy: CHEO, Ottawa Hospital withdraw from parade [Video]

The Ottawa Hospital and CHEO, eastern Ontario’s children’s hospital, are the latest organizations to withdraw from the annual Capital Pride parade following its organizers pledging solidarity with Palestinians in a statement earlier this month.

On Aug. 6, Capital Pride released a statement expressing solidarity with Palestinians and criticizing the actions of the Israeli government amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The statement condemned the Hamas terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023, but also pledged to “recognize the ongoing genocide against Palestinians” in opening remarks at 2024 Capital Pride Festival signature events, and integrate the Palestinian BDS National Committee’s boycott list in its review of current and future sponsorship agreements.

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The statement drew significant backlash from Jewish residents and advocacy groups such as B’nai Brith Canada and the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, the latter of which announced this week it was withdrawing from the Capital Pride Parade.

Ottawa …