VANCOUVER PRIDE SOCIETY GUIDELINE - PARADE INTERFERENCE

V1.4 - July 25 2025

Vancouver Pride Society (VPS) is a volunteer-run member organization operating under the Societies Act as a not-for-profit society. 

VPS exists to uplift and celebrate our diverse 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

VPS strives to produce inclusive, celebratory events, and advocate for 2SLGBTQAI+ communities through an intersectional lens.

VPS is unapologetically queer, and we acknowledge that there is strength in our collective and individual experiences and that lived experiences are intersectional. 

We commit to respecting, celebrating and honoring all members of our community, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, race, age, body type, personal ability, place of origin, religious or social affiliation and beliefs, and socio-economic status.

VPS recognizes the Charter right to peaceful protest as fundamental in a free and democratic society and our accountability under the BC Human Rights Code.

We affirm that hate speech, explicitly-prohibited discrimination, incitement to violence, and criminal mischief are not protected rights. They will not be tolerated at our events.

Canadian law protects the lawful operation of permitted events like ours. Section 430 of the Criminal Code makes it an offence to willfully interfere with or obstruct such events.

Persons considering protesting Vancouver Pride events are strongly encouraged to consider if their actions and demands can be addressed by VPS in light of the role and responsibilities of the Society and if their conduct reflects their own responsibilities under the Charter.

They are also requested to communicate their intentions with VPS in advance or any action to avoid any misunderstandings by contacting our Secretary at moger@vancouverpride.ca

While VPS accepts peaceful protest and welcomes critical voices, excessively disruptive actions that are unrelated to uplifting 2SLGBTQIA+ resistance and joy, or that cross the line into oppression, disruption, or endangerment, are not protected expression.

All protests will be managed on a case-by-case basis, with the following as guiding principles and guardrails:

To respect both the right to protest and the right of the community to celebrate in safety and dignity, Vancouver Pride Society has established the following guidelines for the 2025 Pride Parade in the event of a protest that blocks or disrupts the parade route:

  1. Protesters may be acknowledged by VPS and allowed up to five minutes to make their point to VPS.

  2. After this time, protesters on the parade route will be asked to stop and disperse peacefully to clear the parade route.

  3. If protesters do not leave the parade route when asked by VPS, VPS may issue a warning and inform them that VPS will request security or law enforcement to assist in dispersing them within the next five minutes.

  4. If the parade route remains blocked, VPS may request assistance from law enforcement.

This approach reflects our commitment to upholding human rights of protesters as well as all participants while ensuring that Pride remains a safe, celebratory, and affirming space for all.