AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Pride said Saturday night it met with community leaders to discuss recent controversy over how it selects sponsors and allegations that it banned the Palestinian flag and pro-Palestinian symbols, according to a social media post.
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In that post, Austin Pride said it met with leaders of the Austin Coalition for Palestine, Jewish Voices for Peace and other local community leaders.
“We acknowledge that we made a mistake and want to clarify that symbols of Palestine or Palestinian liberation are not anti-Semitic or anti-Jewish,” the post reads. “We deeply regret how we handled this situation and sincerely apologize for the harm caused. We are saddened by the spread of anti-Palestinian rhetoric that has affected queer, Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, Jewish, and other communities.”
Austin Against Apartheid, one of the organizations represented at the meeting, issued a statement Saturday night thanking Austin Pride and shared by Austin For Palestine Coalition and Austin with Palestine.
“Following the meeting, Austin Pride pledged to evaluate its sponsors in the future ‘according to BDS criteria’ and to no longer work with the Anti-Defamation League. Thank you [Austin Pride] “And welcome to the Apartheid-free community!” the post reads.
BDS, or Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, is a political campaign organized by Palestinian activists. Pro-Israel groups have called the global campaign anti-Semitic. Texas law prevents state and local governments from funding or contracting with companies that “boycott Israel.”
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Austin Pride said it will evaluate future event sponsors “based on BDS criteria” and that gun manufacturers and “unethical corporations” will not be allowed to sponsor the event.
“We hope that this weekend and in the future, Austin Pride can be a space where everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there!” concludes the statement from Austin Pride.
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