LGBTQ+ group sues after being banned from Prattville Christmas parade

PRATTVILLE, Ala. (WSFA) – The Prattville City Council has decided this year’s Christmas parade will no longer feature a float from a group dedicated to the city’s LGBTQ+ community. The group is now suing to be allowed back in.

On Thursday, Just a day before the parade scheduled to roll through town, Mayor Bill Gillespie Jr.’s office confirmed that local group Prattville Pride would not be allowed to attend, citing “serious safety concerns.”

The mayor’s office released a statement that reads in full:

Prattville Pride received word Thursday morning that they were being canceled. That evening, Gillespie was served with a restraining order requiring him to attend the parade again.

Those court filings indicate that threats were the deciding factor in the city’s decision to remove Prattville Pride from the lineup.

According to the documents, the city attorney told the City Council during Tuesday’s meeting that removing Prattville Pride could result in a lawsuit. On Wednesday, the LGBTQ+ group asked the city for additional security during the parade.

Finally, the decision to remove the group was made on Thursday.

Members of Prattville Pride say they still plan to meet and set up their float on Friday before the parade begins at 7 p.m., hoping a judge will approve their request to participate.

“We had the purest intentions in signing up: visibility, representation and a fun opportunity for our community to participate in a Prattville tradition,” said Caryl Lawson, vice president of Prattville Pride. “We believe we have a very strong argument. The Constitution supports our case and we sincerely hope that the injunction will be approved in time for us to participate.”

Prattville City Councilman Marcus Jackson told WSFA 12 News that he was not involved or consulted in the decision to remove the group’s float from the parade.

Jackson, who represents District 2, added that “it is deeply concerning and unfortunate when threats are made against them or others associated with them” and said it is his “hope that our community will move toward greater unity and mutual respect.” “, accept others and their beliefs. Disagreements should never lead to hate or violence, and I pray that we can work together to promote understanding and acceptance for all.”

Prattville Pride hosted its first official event to honor members of the gay community in June.

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