Joan Burton says it's 'hugely positive' that two groups representing the LGBT community have been included in this year's St Patrick's Day parade in Boston.
The Tánaiste has marched in this evening's parade alongside Boston Pride and gay veterans' group OUTVETS.
The Tánaiste has also used the occasion as an opportunity to campaign for a 'yes' vote in Ireland's forthcoming marriage equality referendum.
She says it is significant that progress should happen in Massachusetts, which was the very first US state to legalise same-sex marriage 11 years ago. "Since that pioneering move, more than 30 other US states have followed suit in legalising gay marriage," Joan Burton said in a statement.
“We in Ireland will have an opportunity this May to make marriage equality a reality for gay and lesbian Irish people. It is inspiring to see the progress that has been made in Boston and Massachussetts in terms of LGBT rights, and I look forward to returning home to fight for a successful result in May’s referendum," she added.
