I agree with you on one thing Ake. I think a hetrosexual parade would bring about objections on the grounds it was a slight on gay people, or discriminating against gay people... That is the way our PC world works.

As for the parade itself, I can't I'm at all fond of the idea of parades to celebrate ones sexual orientation what ever that may be.

As for the business with the firemen, I think it does come under their duties to distribute safety leaflets at parades and they were to be acting as fire officers. As such, while the level of discipline seem out of proportion to me, I think they were in the wrong.

Others have commented on the valus of these leaflets but I don't think that is relevant (except to comment the fire service presumably does believe it froms part of thier fire prevention work).