SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A protest at the Sacramento Pride event blocked a number of people from entering the event on Sunday.
Protesters had gathered around the area of L and 5th Streets in response to police being allowed to march in uniform at Sacramento Pride.
The protest followed a series of decisions by the LGBT Community Center about police marching in uniform at the event. Those decisions had both supporters and dissenters leading up to Sacramento Pride.
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Those interviewed at the scene included supporters, dissenters, and bystanders.
Protesters interviewed at the scene expressed concern over the inclusion of police uniform. It was said to be controversial last minute change that didn't recognize the experiences some people in the LBGT community have had with police.
This included the principle that the event commemorates the Stonewall Riots, where 50 years ago police were said to have routinely raided gay bars. During a raid on June 28, 1969, patrons of the Stonewall Inn ultimately fought back.
The riot was considered to be one of the major events that launched the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
On the other side, people argued that this wasn't the way to help the community and, even though some people sympathized with the message, some believe what they were seeing with protest wasn't the way things should be done.
Multiple entrances to event were blocked due to the protest.