Rep. Stephen Lynch marches in St. Patrick's Day parade

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Despite earlier reservations over marching in the St. Patrick's Day parade in South Boston because of the parade's exclusion of a gay veterans' group, Rep. Stephen Lynch showed up at the parade Sunday afternoon.

On Wednesday, when FOX 25's Bob Ward asked Lynch if he would be marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade Sunday, the South Boston Democrat said it was still up in the air.

The Congressman joined Boston Mayor Marty Walsh in supporting a group of gay veterans who wished to march in the parade. Organizers came up with a tentative deal to allow the group to march, but later denied their application amid claims that only one member of the 20-person group was a veteran.

Lynch told FOX 25's Bob Ward that if there is only one veteran in the group, they can march with him and they can both march.

He released a statement about his decision Sunday afternoon, the full text of which is below:

"I have decided to participate in the St Patrick's/Evacuation Day parade for several reasons. Firstly, I believe that for me to do otherwise would be a disservice to my neighbors, many of whom believe as I do that there should be a way to allow all veterans to be acknowledged for their service.

Secondly, not marching might imply that only one side in the negotiations was to blame for the failure to reach agreement. That responsibility can be shared by both parties.

And lastly, while I disagree with the decision to reject the LGBT Veterans application to march, there has been progress with other gay organizers from South Boston. The Allied War Veterans Council has also approved my request to invite these veterans to march as my guests, with my contingent. That's the best I could do."

Cox Media Group