DAHILL CIRCULATES PETITION TO URGE INCLUSIVE SOUTHIE PARADE

Asks Lynch, Collins and Linehan to support LGBT groups marching

Maureen Dahill, a candidate for State Senate in the 1st Suffolk District, today circulated an online petition to urge South Boston’s elected officials to fight for an inclusive St. Patrick’s Day Parade that allows gay and lesbian groups to march.

“I am proud to be from South Boston. I am proud of the deep roots and the amazing people who have ultimately shaped who I am today. South Boston is a vibrant community. It is a diverse community and it is a welcoming and inclusive community,” said Dahill.

Her petition is collecting signatures from voters asking Congressman Stephen Lynch, Representative Nick Collins and Councilor Bill Linehan to urge the Allied War Veteran’s Council to allow gay and lesbian groups to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“Last year over one million people visited South Boston to watch the St Patrick’s Day Parade. With this year’s parade falling on the St Patrick’s Day holiday, there will be likely even more people. It’s time we showed our neighborhood in its true light and allowed gays and lesbian groups to march in the parade’, added Dahill.

State Representative Linda Dorcena Forry (D-Boston) has already signed on to Dahill’s proposal, according to Dahill’s campaign

“This is an opportunity to put our past behind us and to begin a new and positive chapter for all of us in South Boston. It's a simple, yet powerful gesture that could heal deep wounds,” said Dahill.

The petition can be viewed at 

Dahill is a candidate for the special election for the 1st Suffolk State Senate seat. The primary election is April 30th.