19 Arrested At Tournament of Roses Parade In Protest Against Sea World

Nineteen protesters were arrested today at the annual Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, in a demonstration against Sea World, KTLA reports:

“They attempted to stand and stomp in front of the float to delay its progress,” Lt. Terysa Rojas of the Pasadena Police Department told KTLA 5.

PETA, which has been highly critical of Sea World for years (and has recently stepped up efforts against the theme park since the release of the documentary Blackfish), tweeted photos of today’s arrests in Pasadena:

The protesters, which reportedly include one juvenile, were booked on misdemeanor charges of “interfering with special events,” according to the police statement.

There was also another group of protesters against a float entered by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which featured a same-sex marriage.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation float featured the first gay marriage in the parade’s history. Despite opposition, the ceremony went off without incident, reports the LA Times:

“Congratulations and our best wishes to Aubrey and Danny on their wedding day!” KTLA-TV Channel 5 news anchor Micah Ohlman said as the wedding-cake-shaped float passed by the viewing stands.

Spectators clapped their hands as grooms Danny Leclair, 45, and Aubrey Loots, 42, faced each other and recited their vows before the Rev. Alfreda “Freda” Lanoix on the float sponsored by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. White doves were released into the bright blue sky afterward.

KTLA reported no arrests took place stemming from that protest. The Awake Coalition also protested the parade in opposition to fracking and foreclosures.