A Saint Patrick’s Day parade without Guinness sounds about as fun as breathing without oxygen. But sadly that’s the state of affairs in New York this year now that the iconic Irish stout’s makers pulled out the city’s annual wearing-of-the-green festivities on Fifth Avenue over the organizers ongoing ban on LGBT groups participation and public expression of gay pride.

According to New York Times, Guinness, which is one of the parade's key sponsors, is citing its longstanding history of supporting diversity and its ongoing advocacy of equality for all as the basis for its decision not to participate as long as gay groups are excluded.

The Dublin-based brewer isn’t the only beer maker announcing parade boycotts over allegations of discrimination. Last week Boston Beer Company, parent of Samuel Adams and cider concern Angry Orchard, announced it was pulling out of Boston’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. And Heineken pulled its support from New York's. Both companies are citing bans on gay groups as their reasons.

Photo: Flickr user dansapples