More to the point: what are police 'floats' doing in any parade. I have been entertained by and enjoyed police motorcycle display teams, police bands and equestrian displays but floats seem a little over the top. If the the gay and black communities don't want the police to be part of their parade, so be it. Police security is non-negotiable, and that is the most important role for them to play. This decsion will, however, promote barriers to healthy interaction.