It turns out the LGBTQ Center is Sacramento is not all that into tolerance or diversity.
Fox 40 reports that gay police officers have been told they will not be allowed to march in the PRIDE Parade if they wear their uniforms.
“It was…shocking,” police officer Jeff Kuhlmann told the television station. “It happened because of certain people in the community being uncomfortable with seeing uniformed police officers at the PRIDE event.”
Honestly, if you’ve been to one of those parades, a police officer’s uniform is the least shocking thing you will see — by far.
“To honor the pain and marginalization of community members who have been harmed by police violence, we have asked Sacramento Police not to participate in uniform for the 50th anniversary of Stonewall,” the LGBTQ Center said in a Facebook statement.
The Sacramento Police Department said they were disappointed that gay officers would not be able to participate.
“Our police department is disappointed that the LGBT Center does not want our officers attending upcoming public community events while in uniform. We support our LGBTQ officers who proudly serve our community on a daily basis. They have worked hard to earn these uniforms and are proud to wear them,” the department wrote in a statement to Fox 40.
David Heitstuman, the executive director of the Sacramento LGBT Center, told the television station the controversy stems from the Stonewall riots — an incident that occurred 50 years ago.
“Not everyone feels safe in the presence of uniforms,” he said.
The television station’s social media page was filled with comments pointing out the LGBT Center’s hypocrisy.
“Social justice at it’s best. Always contradicting and creating new inequalities based on their feelings at the time. This is why identity politics never works,” one viewer noted.
Another wrote, “So while standing up against discrimination they’ve decided to discriminate against others? Hmmm…not sure that’s the best message!”
Regardless, uniformed police officers will not be welcome at this year’s festivities. Somebody might want to give the Village People a heads up.