Guinness has signed back on as a sponsor for the New York City St Patrick’s Day Parade, one year after pulling out due to the parade’s ban on LGBT groups marching.

Stout manufacturer Guinness initially boycotted iconic event last year, along with other brands and Mayor Bill de Blasio, to protest the ban on LGBT groups being allowed to openly march down Fifth Avenue on March 17. At the time, the decision was applauded by LGBT activists.

Now, the company has made the controversial decision to resume sponsorship to the St Patrick’s Day parade due to the inclusion of one LGBT group being announced. The decision was criticised, however, as the only group to be allowed march is OUT@NBCUniversal which is affiliated with the station that broadcasts the parade and does not have any connection to the Irish community in New York.

A statement from Guinness read, “We are delighted to announce that Guinness has made the decision to resume its sponsorship of the New York City St Patrick’s Day parade.

“While there is still work to be done, we are pleased that the parade organisers have taken steps to allow the LGBT community to be represented. The parade is an important way for Guinness to support the Irish community, and we look forward to celebrating with millions of New Yorkers on March 17.”