
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 17, 1991                   TAG: 9103170030
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NEW YORK                                LENGTH: Medium

N.Y. MAYOR BOOED MARCHING WITH GAY GROUP IN PARADE

Mayor David Dinkins was booed Saturday when he marched with members of an Irish gay group rather than at the head of the nation's oldest and largest St. Patrick's Day Parade.

A smattering of cheers was drowned out by boos from thousands along the Manhattan parade route.

"One-term mayor!" some spectators chanted as Dinkins, wearing a green jacket, walked by with the Irish Gay and Lesbian Organization. Some sprayed beer and shouted obscenities at the mayor and the gay marchers, who were accompanied by heavy security.

"They shouldn't be here. The day is for the Irish," said spectator Robert Garrison of Harrison, N.J.

"It makes me sad, but it's mostly ignorance," said gay marcher Kay Glidden.

"Every time I hear someone boo, it strengthens my resolve that it was the right thing to do," Dinkins said later.

Parade officials had tried to keep the gay group out of the parade. The officials cited time constraints in ruling the group couldn't march. Dinkins, fearing there could be discrimination involved, intervened on behalf of the organization.

Parade chairman Frank Beirne then ruled the group could march with any other unit if they were invited. Division 7 of the New York County Ancient Order of Hibernians extended an invitation.

Asked if the controversy had put a damper on the festivities, Grand marshal Mary Holt Moore looked at the crowds and the sunny sky before responding, "It doesn't look it, does it?"

Dinkins was greeted warmly by a prominent opponent of gay rights, Cardinal John O'Connor, who reviewed the parade from the steps of St. Patrick's Cathedral.

As always, the parade carried on amid an assortment of political statements. The head of the police Emerald Society band wore a sash reading, "Free Joe Doherty," referring to the jailed Irish Republican Army member convicted of killing a British army captain in 1980.

Tributes to those who served in the Persian Gulf War were everywhere. "We support our troops" read a banner held by students from Mother Cabrini High School in Manhattan as they walked uptown.

by CNB