EDITORIAL: Cruel irony of Pride boycott

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The term “useful idiots,” frequently used during the Cold War, described people who were susceptible to Communist propaganda without fully understanding the ideology they were supporting.

These days, it’s a caustic commentary on those who are cynically manipulated into support for causes they know little about.

It’s the most charitable name we can give to the organizers of Ottawa’s Pride celebrations who, while condemning the attacks on Israel of Oct. 7, nevertheless declared their support for Palestinians and endorsed a boycott of Israeli companies.

An Aug. 6 statement by the Capital Pride Committee accused Israel of “pinkwashing,” a term that implies a superficial concern for LGBTQ issues.

“By portraying itself as a protector of the rights of queer and trans people in the Middle East, Israel seeks to draw attention away from its abhorrent human rights abuses against Palestinians,” the organization said.

As a result of the boycott, numerous organizations have withdrawn from the Pride parade.

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe released a statement on X, saying he will not participate: “Pride has always been and should continue to be a celebration of diversity and inclusion where no one feels excluded for who they are.”

He’s to be applauded for his leadership.

Meanwhile, the group Queers4Palestine Ottawa supports the boycott.

And there’s the cruel irony.

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A United Nations report, Aug. 21, 2023, said: “LGBT persons living under PA (Palestinian Authority) and Hamas control suffer severe persecution and ostracism. In Gaza, it is illegal to be gay. In the West Bank, being gay is not technically illegal, but it may as well be. According to Dar al-Iftaa, the PA’s office of Islamic rulings, LGBT behaviour is a crime deserving of harsh punishment.

“A recent study listed the West Bank and Gaza as among the most dangerous places in the world for LGBT individuals.

“Another study from 2019, commissioned by BBC News Arabic and conducted by the Arab Barometer research network, found that only 5% of West Bank Palestinians accept same-sex relations (Gaza Palestinians were not surveyed).

“Many Palestinian homosexuals end up fleeing to Israel,” the report said.

It’s not “pinkwashing” if Israel actually is the protector of LGBTQ rights in the area.

Have fun at your parade, Ottawa Pride. Don’t let those persecuted gay Palestinians seeking protection in Israel trouble your consciences.