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Two major beer companies are removing their sponsorship from all St. Patrick’s Day parade festivities for tomorrow, all in the name of gay rights.

Heineken and Sam Adams will no longer have their names attached to parades in New York City and Boston, respectively because they both disallow the usage of t-shirts or signs that align people with their sexual orientation.

Via CNN:

“We believe in equality for all,” a Heineken USA spokeswoman said.

Sam Adams said it had tried to convince Boston’s parade organizers to modify their rules and allow LGBT groups to march.

The South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, which is organizing the parade, said in a statement on its website that it is not opposed to LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people, it just doesn’t allow sexual orientation to be displayed.

It said lesbian and gay veterans who had wanted to march as part of an LGBT veterans group could still march in the parade under the condition that they wouldn’t identify themselves as gay with signs or t-shirts.

“We invite all to join us to celebrate this historic event, but we must maintain our guidelines to insure the enjoyment and public safety of our spectators,” the group stated.

Do you think the boycott will prove to be effective or LGBT should be able to march openly? Let us know your feelings in the comments.

Photo: YouTube