Jewish LGBTQ group banned from Rome Pride parade for not denouncing Israeli government on Gaza

Roma Pride organizers announced on Monday that the Jewish LGBTQ groups Keshet Italia and Keshet Europe would not be permitted to have a float in the June 20 parade. The decision stems from the groups' failure to condemn Israeli actions in Gaza as genocide. Roma Pride stated that only participants who uphold the event's declared political values would be allowed.

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We clearly distinguish the difference between the Israeli government and the LGBTQIA+ Jewish community, and we could never hold the latter responsible for war criminal acts committed by a genocidal government. We hold Keshet Italia responsible, however, for not having distanced itself and not intending to distance itself from the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

"We clearly distinguish the difference between the Israeli government and the LGBTQIA+ Jewish community, and we could never hold the latter responsible for war criminal acts committed by a genocidal government," Roma Pride said in a statement. "We hold Keshet Italia responsible, however, for not having distanced itself and not intending to distance itself from the ongoing genocide in Gaza."

Keshet Italia responded Tuesday, calling the ban antisemitic and an "unprecedented exclusion" of the only Italian Jewish LGBTQ organization. "There is no pride if minorities are excluded," Keshet Italia stated. "We do not accept lessons in rights from those who practice identity-based exclusion. Antisemitism disguised as political positioning remains antisemitism."

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There is no pride if minorities are excluded. We do not accept lessons in rights from those who practice identity-based exclusion. Antisemitism disguised as political positioning remains antisemitism.

Keshet Europe expressed alarm on Instagram Wednesday, criticizing Roma Pride for using institutional power to target its Italian branch and amplify hostility. "Critique within our movements is legitimate. But using institutional power and public platforms to delegitimize Jewish LGBTQIA+ voices crosses a demarcation line that cannot be ignored," Keshet Europe said. "At the heart of it all lies a simple, fundamental aspiration, one that should require no justification in a democratic Europe: the freedom to march at Pride as we are. Visibly Jewish. Visibly Queer. Without condition, without compromise, and without fear."

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Critique within our movements is legitimate. But using institutional power and public platforms to delegitimize Jewish LGBTQIA+ voices crosses a demarcation line that cannot be ignored. At the heart of it all lies a simple, fundamental aspiration, one that should require no justification in a democratic Europe: the freedom to march at Pride as we are. Visibly Jewish. Visibly Queer. Without condition, without compromise, and without fear.

The Union of Italian Jewish Communities condemned the decision, warning it risks normalizing the ostracization of Jewish citizens who do not adhere to specific political interpretations of international events. "No one should be called upon to pass an ideological test to be able to participate in a space born with the goal of including, guaranteeing dignity and rights to people, regardless of their identity, affiliation, or background," the UCEI stated.

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No one should be called upon to pass an ideological test to be able to participate in a space born with the goal of including, guaranteeing dignity and rights to people, regardless of their identity, affiliation, or background.