Finn said GLIB will march in newly-initiatedSt. Patrick's Day parade in Cambridge if Bostonparade officials again deny gay and lesbian groupsthe chance to take part in their parade.

Last Sunday, about 50 people marched alongMass. Ave. under GLIB's green, white and orangebanner. About 10 gay and lesbian groups, includingthe New England Gay, Lesbian and BisexualVeterans, also participated in the Cambridgecelebration, she said.

"The Cambridge parade was wonderful," she said."It proved it's possible for the Irish communitiesof this area to come together."

Finn said she would continue to pressure SBAWVCmembers for permission to march in the SouthBoston parade. "Civil rights are something youneed to stand up for, even if you step on sometoes in the process," she said.

GLIB has appealed the lower court's rulingwhich permitted SBAWVC to hold this year's protestmarch and exclude gays from the parade. The U.S.Supreme Court will hold oral arguments on April25, Van Ness said.

The South Boston parade will begin at 1:00 p.m.at Broadway Station and end at Andrew Square.Hurley said he expects over 200 floats, bands andgroups to participate