LGBTQ groups will be allowed to march in Staten Island’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade for the first time ever this year, organizers announced Tuesday — ending a long-running controversy over the annual event’s anti-gay stance.

After years of controversy and boycotts, the parade’s organizers said it was time to change the exclusionary policy.

The parade committee, for the first time in 60 years, announced Tuesday it will allow LGBTQ+ groups to march in Staten Island's St. Patrick's Day Parade.

This will be the first time in the parade's 60-year history that LGBTQ+ groups will be allowed to march under their banner.

LGBTQ+ groups will be allowed to march in Staten Island's Saint Patrick's Day Parade for the first time in 2025.

One borough, one parade. After 60 years, one of Staten Island’s largest and most influential civic organizations is allowing gay and lesbian groups to march in the borough’s official St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

From day one, our administration has been clear that celebrations in our city should be welcoming and inclusive.'

It took six decades, but the LGBTQ+ groups will now be able to march in Staten Islands Richmond County St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The decision follows years of opposition. FOX 5 NY’s Michelle Ross has the reactions to the decision.