Try to wrap your mind around this curious case of prejudice: Lesbian marchers were kicked out of a Chicago Gay Pride parade for carrying Star of David flags.

An organizer claims they were told to leave because the flags “made people feel unsafe,” adding that the march was “anti-Zionist” and “pro-Palestinian.” The article also states that American flags were reportedly discouraged. (Yes, you read that right. American flags being displayed in America is now considered offensive to some!)

While this is clearly the position of an extremist group within the gay community, such glaring hypocrisy is laughable. No group has tried harder to push their own cause than the Gay Rights lobby. They demand that everyone accommodate them, regardless of individual preference or religious beliefs, yet they themselves get to pick and choose which political ideas are allowed at an event—a move that does nothing but undermine their own efforts.

If someone truly believes in freedom for all—and I certainly do!—they don’t make distinctions. Public events should include every group, not just a handful of folks who want to advance their own agenda. I know of numerous cases where other parades were forced to include gay marchers. If they demand inclusion, shouldn’t they extend the same courtesy to others?

Personally, I can’t stand such fighting and pettiness. I have no problem with gay marchers joining the Israel Pride parades and it’s very hurtful and bewildering that they would deny the Jewish lesbians their free expression. Does it matter if someone is gay or straight? Of course not! Does it matter if someone is Jewish or Gentile? No! We’re all Americans and we should try to be more understanding and accommodating of each other’s differences.