Calgary Police invited to wear uniforms in Pride Parade

Calgary police officers are being invited to wear what they want at this year's Pride parade.

That includes uniforms and service belts for officers on duty.

"Calgary Pride will apply no special restrictions to any specific participants in this year's Pride parade," the organization said in a statement released Friday.

A group calling itself Voices, the coalition of Calgary's People of Colour, had asked that police not wear their uniforms to the Sept. 4 parade and instead don T-shirts with a supportive message.

A spokesperson for the group did not return calls for comment on the Pride decision.

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Up to 60,000 are expected at this year's parade, with up to 4,000 taking part, running from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 4. It kicks off at Olympic Plaza and the route will run along Ninth Avenue to Shaw Millennium Park at 11th St. S.W.

This year's parade grand marshal will be award-winning writer, musician, and filmmaker, Rae Spoon.

"The parade is an expression of our community," said Craig Sklenar, director of government affairs for Calgary Pride.

"It's a visual representation of the multicultural background in which we all exist and the different organizations and businesses that support the movement of LGBT rights in Alberta."

Skelnar called the event as much of a march as it is a parade.

"It really depends on why you're marching and that's really for individuality," he said.

"It's changing over time, so what did start as a political rally is now morphing into both advocacy and celebration at the same time and that's a delicate balance we need to look at, to ensure that we continue to look toward equal rights here in Alberta and use it as an opportunity to have conversations with everybody."

Pride officials have also implemented what they're calling a "screening process" for politicians wanting to take part in this year's event.

"In addition to signing our statement of values, all politicians and political parties are required to provide a letter indicating their positions and actions in support of LGBTQ2S rights and issues," read the release.

Premier Rachel Notley has said through social media she will take part, marking her second time doing so as the head of government. When asked if Notley had submitted a letter, Pride officials said through social media the NDP party had.