A Palestinian advocacy group is calling foul after being denied a float in a local Santa Claus Parade.
Palestine Solidarity Grey Bruce wanted to take part in Saturday’s event in Port Elgin, hosted by the Saugeen Shores Rotary Club, but was ultimately told no.
Members of the group claim they were discriminated against specifically because they support Palestine.
“We agreed to not fly Palestinian Flags. We agreed that our float would only consist of a barn backdrop, and five people wearing keffiyehs. Despite these concessions and despite informing Rotary Club members that there are people from Palestine who live in Port Elgin participating in this float project, we were rejected,” read a statement from Palestine Solidarity Grey Bruce.
Saugeen Shores Rotary Club confirmed the group was rejected, but vehemently denied doing so because it supports Palestine.
In a statement, it said the Rotary Club is apolitical and avoids working with political groups. It noted this isn’t a local measure but one passed down from Rotary International.
“One McDonald’s can’t do something different from the others,” the club said in its statement.
The Rotary Club also explained any political group, no matter their affiliation, would have also been denied. It added it discussed the situation with higher-ups in the organization before ultimately denying the float.