The Capital Pride parade in Ottawa was cancelled on Sunday after anti-Israel activists blockaded the march route, halting one of Canada’s largest LGBTQ+ events and sparking widespread condemnation from organisers, political leaders, and Jewish groups, reports The Jerusalem Post.
The group Queers for Palestine (Q4P), supported by allied activist networks, formed a human blockade at Wellington Street and O’Connor Street, unfurling Palestinian flags and banners to prevent the parade from continuing. The protest aimed to pressure Capital Pride into adopting official Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) policies and to demand an apology from Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for boycotting the 2024 event over its anti-Israel stance.
Q4P’s demands included reinstating Capital Pride’s previous statements against Israel, publishing its 2025 sponsors, hosting a BDS town hall, and adopting the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) framework. Organisers said they had attempted negotiations, but the protesters “refused to have a meaningful discussion” and insisted on misrepresenting the talks.
Unable to reroute the march due to street closure time limits, Capital Pride was forced to cancel the parade midway. The decision disrupted celebrations for more than 7,000 participants from 175 groups, leaving thousands of spectators stranded. While the street festival and stage programming continued, the loss of the parade — the highlight of Pride week — cast a shadow over the festivities.
Mayor Sutcliffe expressed regret, stating, “It is deeply regrettable that a group of activists chose to block the parade. My heart goes out to the many people in our city who were deprived of the opportunity to participate in this celebration of joy, resilience, and community.”
Q4P, however, blamed Sutcliffe and Capital Pride, accusing them of failing to denounce Israel and charging that the mayor preferred cancellation “rather than be an ally.”
The Jewish Federation of Ottawa sharply criticised the disruption, writing: “We are disappointed that the parade was derailed by misguided extremists whose actions overshadowed what should have been a joyful and positive experience. They hijacked a celebration of love and diversity and betrayed the very spirit of Pride. Our entire Ottawa community deserves better than to have its joy stolen by these divisive voices.”
The Federation noted that despite the disruption, the Jewish Community Pride Breakfast went ahead successfully, featuring music, speeches, and remarks from Israeli Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed.
The cancellation highlights how anti-Israel activism, often framed in antisemitic terms, is increasingly targeting spaces of inclusivity and diversity. By importing the Middle East conflict into Pride, Jewish leaders warned, activists not only undermine LGBTQ+ solidarity but also create an environment in which Jews are once again singled out, excluded, and vilified.
Photo credit: REUTERS/CLAUDIA GRECO
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