LGBT groups are to participate in this years New York St Patrick's day parade
For the first time - LGBT groups - will be allowed participate in this year's New York St Patrick's day parade.
The annual festivities had come under severe criticism in recent years for continuing to prohibit open participation in the festivities.
The announcement was made at the Irish Consulate in New York today.
Mayor Bill de Blasio has said New Yorker's can honour their heritage in all colours of the rainbow this St Patrick's day: “But now we have an opportunity for everyone from that community to join together in celebrating their heritage, their pride, in what the Irish have done for New York and America.
“For the first time in decades, the whole Irish community will come together, to celebrate.”
