Organizers of this year's Columbus Pride Festival say businesses and other organizations who want to participate in the parade must first demonstrate they're serious about protecting LGBTQ employees. Stonewall Columbus spokesperson Riana Brewer says the advocacy group will require parade applicants to show proof of an anti-discrimination policy, which the group hopes will foster education and awareness about employment discrimination.
Most of the more than 215 groups that participated in last year's parade have such policies in place. Those that do not and want to participate this year must promise to enact one by the time next year's parade takes place. This year's parade is scheduled for mid-June.