The Nova Scotia Barristers Society along with the Canadian Bar Association, Nova Scotia Branch made the troubling decision to withdraw from the Halifax Pride Parade. This decision was originally communicated to only a small number of people. 

Messages regarding this decision all contained statements of support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who are experiencing increased hatred and violence and then going on to say they have decided to withdraw from this year’s Pride Parade "since serious matters of safety" have been raised in connection with the Parade.

We understand that Halifax Pride, the Halifax Police and the Halifax Regional Municipality have identified no safety concerns outside the risks present with any large public gathering. 

It is dangerous to stoke fear with unsubstantiated concerns of safety. Our community experience safety concerns every day, and this statement has created fear within the 2SLGBQIA+ community about whether they are safe to proudly march on Saturday. 

It is not the place of the NSBS staff and the CBA-NS staff to police Pride’s political allegiances. Pride is an occasion for these organizations to stand with us as a symbol of year-round support. This decision, which was made without meaningful consultation with 2SLGBTQIA+ lawyers, to avoid political discomfort suggests to us that support of 2SLGBTQIA+ lawyers is conditional on political comfort. We say this is not enough.  

If you want to stand in support with 2SLGBTQIA+ lawyers, please consider signing this petition in solidarity. Thank you.