An anti-LGBTQ+ group has called for Prattville Pride, an organisation dedicated to celebrating diversity and inclusivity in the Alabaman city, to be banned from the City of Prattville’s annual Christmas parade.
Clean Up Alabama, the Prattville-based group that originally formed to challenge LGBTQ+ titles in the Prattville library’s children and young adult sections, is calling on the city to deny Prattville Pride the opportunity to participate.
“The Christmas parade is a celebration of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ the Messiah. It is NOT a time to celebrate someone’s sexual preferences. And it is certainly not a place for a drag show,” Clean Up Alabama said in an email pushing for the removal of Prattville Pride.
“The parade rules clearly state that ‘the city reserves the right to reject any parade entry for any reason whatsoever, and to determine participation based on suitability for the occasion.’
“We know this is NOT suitable for the occasion and that you have the power to stop it. It seems like the city has two options: remove them from the parade per parade rules and/or create a city ordinance that protects children in public places.”
Mayor Bill Gillespie said the city will “ensure all persons are served and respected equally while maintaining a safe Christmas parade event for us all.”
“I am committed to fostering a thriving, safe, and vibrant family-friendly community for all of Prattville’s residents,” Gillespie said. “I hope everyone will enjoy the season that we are celebrating and will remember the reason for the season. Any violations of the event rules will be dealt with appropriately.”
“As the first organisation to sign up, we were eager to join in the holiday magic and celebrate alongside our neighbours,” Prattville Pride’s founders said. “In response to recent pushback, we want to emphasise that our participation is rooted in the same spirit of joy and togetherness as any other group.
“As a pride organisation dedicated to fostering inclusivity and support for marginalised communities, our goal is simply to build connection, spread love, and contribute to the festive spirit of the season. We look forward to celebrating the holidays with everyone in Prattville.”
In 2023, about a dozen men identifying themselves as members of the white supremacist organisation Patriot Front showed up in downtown Prattville to protest a picnic hosted for Prattville’s LGBTQ+ communities.
