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An LGBTQ+ float has been denied participation in the Prattville Christmas parade, with Mayor Bill Gillespie citing safety concerns.
“This morning, it was brought to the City’s attention from Prattville Pride that there are serious safety concerns regarding Prattville Pride’s participation in the Christmas parade,” Gillespie said in a statement Thursday morning. “Until today, there has only been conjecture and speculation regarding potential safety concerns that Prattville Pride’s participation in the parade may cause. The City will not put the rights of parade participants ahead of the safety of its citizens. Because of the safety concerns for Prattville Pride, other parade participants, as well as parade bystanders, the City has made the decision to remove Prattville Pride from the Christmas parade.”
Asked to clarify these safety concerns, Gillespie said the safety concerns were brought to the attention of the city by Prattville Pride itself in a Thursday morning email. APR has obtained that email, sent from Prattville Pride Vice President Caryl Lawson to Prattville Police Chief Mark Thompson and Assistant Chief Jeff Hassell.
“Subsequent to the city council meeting held on Dec. 3, there have been some additional threats made against our organization referencing harmful actions to be taken against us and our float during the Prattville Christmas Parade,” Lawson wrote. “At this time, Prattville Pride is requesting Prattville police officers to specifically monitor us and our surroundings during staging, as well as assign two officers to walk near the crowd alongside our float.
“It is apparent that our float and our members are at risk of being specifically targeted during this public city event. We are concerned not only with our own safety but that of bystanders and parade-goers as well. Having police escorts could be an invaluable deterrent.”
The email does not reference any specific threats made against the nonprofit or parade-goers. Lawson told APR on Thursday that Prattville Pride has retained counsel and has no comment at this time.
The removal of the float comes less than 36 hours after advice from Andrew Odom, counsel for the City of Prattville, advising council members not to engage in any “prior restraint” of free speech by removing the float, informing them that any regulation of speech must be “narrowly tailored” to support a compelling government interest.
Clean Up Alabama and like-minded citizens have expressed outrage over the inclusion of the float in the Christmas parade, with some participating floats, including St. Joseph Catholic Church, backing out in protest.
Prattville Pride announced its intentions Tuesday to have one drag queen on its float in a full evening gown, sitting down. The group also planned to throw candy and Christmas-themed items for children.
Several council members declined to comment for this article, except to say that they were not involved in the decision.
“I was not a part of the final discussion and have no comment,” said Councilor Michael Whaley.
“I would recommend the mayor and police chief,” said Councilor Robert Strichik. “They’re more involved in that decision.”
Council President Lora Lee Boone declined to comment. APR had not yet reached council members John Chambers, Tommy Merrick, or Russ Sanders as of the publication of this article.
Councilor Marcus Jackson told APR that he was not “involved or consulted with” on the decision.
“It is deeply concerning and unfortunate if any threats were made against them or anyone associated,” Jackson said. “I sincerely hope that our community can move toward greater unity and mutual respect, embracing others and their beliefs. Disagreements should never lead to hate or violence, and I pray that we can work together to foster understanding and acceptance for all.”
With Prattville Pride retaining counsel, the city could find itself in a sticky legal situation.
A ruling from a federal judge on a similar situation on the campus of Auburn University in 2017 could apply here as well, sources told APR.
White nationalist Richard Spencer had been engaged to speak at the university, prompting backlash. The university ultimately canceled Spencer’s speech, also citing “safety concerns.”
“In consultation with law enforcement, Auburn canceled the Richard Spencer event scheduled for Tuesday evening based on legitimate concerns and credible evidence that it will jeopardize the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors,” the university said at the time.
This led the university into court for infringing on Spencer’s free speech rights.
U.S. District Judge W. Keith Watkins ruled three days later that the university must allow Spencer to speak as planned.
“While Mr. Spencer’s beliefs and message are controversial, Auburn presented no evidence that Mr. Spencer advocates violence,” Watkins stated in his ruling, noting that threats of violence by opposition are not sufficient to limit Spencer’s freedom of speech.
This is a developing story.
