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Calgary police spoke out against the decriminalization of homosexuality in 1969 and have struggled to embrace the changes made since the law passed. That was seen when the service refused permits to the pride parade in the 1980s.

The 2002 raid of Goliath’s Bathhouse caused further rifts between the service and the community, when 15 people were arrested and charged with bawdy house charges.

Members of the gay community spoke out at the time, calling it “an attack against this community.”

“We have learned through our history that we can fulfil our duty with far more compassion and respect than we have shown gender and sexually diverse Calgarians in the past,” Chaffin said.

Calgary Pride president Jason Kingsley said he and the group accept the service’s apology.

“It’s a very emotional day for myself and members of our board and our community,” he said.

“It’s really great to see an institution like the Calgary Police Service taking a leadership role in holding themselves accountable for past mistakes, and not just acknowledging past history, but also acknowledging there is more work to be done going forward.”

Kingsley said the group would have information available soon regarding the group’s annual parade and the police service.

“This apology is really about progressing the conversation beyond just the parade, or the uniform — and it’s about honouring and respecting all segments of our community and the broader community,” he said.