SAN DIEGO -- Three convicted sex offenders will no longer be part of this weekend's gay pride parade in Hillcrest.

Several supporters were threatening to boycott the annual event.

Organizers were previously standing behind the volunteers saying that the men were rehabilitated.

But ultimately, their involvement was seen as too much of a distraction.

"It was a collaboration effort between the individuals and the board to step down and step away from the event," gay pride parade spokesman Frank Sabatini said.

About 1,000 volunteers are helping put on the gay pride parade.

Organizers said they are reviewing their rules on screening volunteers.

Some 140,000 people are expected to take part in this year's festivities.