With hours to go until Prattville Christmas Parade, LGBTQ group sues to have its float included
Prattville Pride, which was recently removed from tonight’s annual Christmas parade, is suing the city and its mayor in order to participate.
The lawsuit stems from the group’s proposed float, which will feature a drag queen throwing candy at spectators.
Mayor Bill Gillespie pulled the float, saying the city “will not put the rights of parade participants ahead of the safety of its citizens,” according to the Elmore Autauga News.
“Plaintiffs believe that the evidence in this action will show that the City of Prattville and Mayor Gillespie had no legitimate concerns or credible evidence of any threats to public safety, that no criminal investigation or charges were brought against any individual threatening the safety of anyone,” according to the complaint, filed by Adam Hunt and Caryl Lawson.
The plaintiffs said Gillespie is “bowing to the pressure from extremists and hecklers in the community who oppose the views of Prattville Pride.”
AL.com was unable to reach the mayor’s office. Prattville Pride told AL.com they’re waiting on a ruling from the judge before commenting further.
“We have filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Prattville alleging violation of our First and Fourteenth Amendment rights and demanding redress by the city,” the group said in a Facebook post.
“We believe the law is clearly on our side and are hopeful that the injunction will be granted and we will still be able to participate in the parade.” The group plans to build the float in hopes of being able to participate.
The city’s attorney told the council to not ban the float because of possible constitutional rights violations at a city council meeting Tuesday.
The parade starts at 7 p.m. at the Autauga County Courthouse.
This is the second lawsuit this year for the city involving LGBTQ issues. Several Prattville citizens sued the city’s library board in May for its policy restricting LGBTQ books for children and teens.
Prattville is known for its festive Christmas displays that attract thousands from across the state every year.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.