There's an online petition to stop Bishop Richard Malone from marching in this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Survivors of the clergy abuse scandal in the Buffalo Catholic Diocese say the invitation by parade organizers to Malone should be rescinded.
The creator of the petition drive is anonymous, describing herself only as Jane Doe.
When asked about whether Malone should be allowed to march, Mayor Byron Brown said it's up to the organizers.
"We don't have concerns about people participating in the parade," Brown said. "We will have significant police and other public safety personnel there to make sure the parade is safe.
"But the questions of who should participate are questions for the (parade organizing) committee."
This year, St. Patrick's Day is on a Sunday. Bishop Malone plans to celebrate Mass at 10:30 that day at St. Joseph Cathedral downtown.
The Bishop of Buffalo has participated in the annual parade for decades, usually marching with elected leaders at the front.