TDSB votes against call to ban nudity at Pride Parade

Trustees with the Toronto District School Board have voted against a motion to write a letter to city council asking them to enforce nudity laws at this year’s pride parade.

Sam Sotiropoulos, the trustee who wrote the motion, said the parade is not Hanlan’s Point — the nude beach on Toronto Island where there are signs saying clothing optional.

The school board has had a float in the parade since 1996 but some trustees said not enforcing the nudity laws puts into question the family friendliness of the event.

“We are in the business of educating students. We are also in the business of protecting students,” explained Sotiropoulos. “According to our board’s code of conduct, we are bound to respect all federal, provincial and municipal laws.”

Several members of the board spoke out against the motion, including trustee Jerry Chadwick, who said it was not their job to police the police.

“I also don’t think it’s our role as the Toronto District School Board to tell the Toronto Police Services how to do their job,” Chadwick said. “I have every faith in the police officers of this city to use their professional judgement and discretion in building a relationship with the community.”

Trustees voted 16-6 against the motion, which drew cheers from the gallery.

Following the motion’s defeat the board was asked to vote on reaffirming their support for Pride Toronto. That motion passed 19-3.

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