I see the issue somewhat differently.

I would not want to hand out fire safety pamphlets/brochures/leaflets at ANY parade whatsoever. Noy Gay parades, not St Patrick's Day parades, not anti-war parades, not parades just for the helluvit, not parades period. I think the fire service has to keep separate from political issues of any sort.

Here's the scenario: Bush party and underaged kids have a BIG bonfire going. We get called and we go put the fire out. Drunk teenagers all over the place. They come talk to us and we explain it's for their safety, etc. Anyway, the police asked us to spray the kids to get them to move on. Our reply was a polite 'not a chance'! Yes, we are town employees, but our function is education regarding fire safety, fire fighting, rescue, etc. Our public 'image' is important, and we cannot be perceived to 'take sides' in disputes, nor can we afford to be seen as 'enforcers'.

I think the initial decision to hand out the stuff at a parade wasn't too bright.