Rome Pride has barred Keshet Italia, Italy's only Jewish LGBT+ group, from participating in its upcoming parade on 20 June, citing the organisation's failure to explicitly condemn Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide. The decision has sparked condemnation from Jewish organisations.
In a statement, Rome Pride said that while the parade is open to anyone sharing its founding values, having a float requires adherence to its political platform. The organisers stated that their position on the 'ongoing genocide in Gaza by the State of Israel' is clear, and they distinguish between Israel's government and the Jewish community. However, they argued that Keshet Italia bore responsibility for not distancing itself from the conflict and for making 'unacceptable lexical distinctions' in a recent statement.
Keshet Italia protested its exclusion, saying 'Rome Pride has dropped the mask' and admitted to excluding the group for failing a 'political exam'. The European Jewish Congress criticised the move, warning that it risks making Jewish associations' participation conditional on accepting specific narratives. 'No one should be subjected to an ideological test in order to participate in a movement founded on inclusion, dignity and equal rights,' the EJC said.
The ban comes amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began after Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023. United Nations experts have accused Israel of carrying out 'genocidal acts' against Palestinians. Rome Pride defended its decision, stating that its political platform is not 'a buffet' from which participants can pick and choose.
