Friday, November 22, 2013

Grand Rapids Right to Life refused entranced into parade


MLive has a story on Grand Rapids Right to Life not being allowed to participate in the Santa Parade tomorrow. GRRTL participated last year with the float pictured above and kids in Santa hats handing out candy.

The nonprofit, pro-life organization planned to have a float banner that reads “Life: A Precious Gift," along with people wearing Santa hats.

But that apparently didn't fit with organizers' desires for the annual parade that welcomes the holiday season in a 9 a.m. procession through downtown.

“This year we filled out an entry form per normal and they refused us,” said Laura Alexandria, director of operations for Grand Rapids Right to Life. “The understanding we received from (parade organizers) is that they wanted all of the entrants to be neutral.

“We certainly thought we were neutral (last year) by wearing Santa hats. The message on our float only says ‘Life: A Precious Gift.’”

FULL STORY