Alabama city bans LGBTQ+ pride group from Christmas parade
- A federal judge intervened after Prattville officials initially blocked an LGBTQ+ group's float from the Christmas parade due to safety concerns.
- The court ruled that the city violated the group's constitutional rights by excluding them based on the perceived reactions from some community members.
- The ruling concluded that the participation of Prattville Pride would proceed with necessary police protection, allowing them to celebrate in the parade.
In Prattville, Alabama, a federal judge ordered the participation of an LGBTQ+ pride group in the city's Christmas parade after the mayor had blocked it due to claimed safety concerns. This legal decision was made by U.S. District Judge R. Austin Huffaker Jr. who emphasized the importance of free speech and equal protection under the law. The Pride group, Prattville Pride, had initially registered to partake weeks in advance but faced objections from some community members about their participation. Despite the mayor's apprehensions regarding potential disruptions from detractors, no credible evidence of genuine threats was presented to the court. Following the judge's ruling, the city was mandated to provide police escort for the float, ensuring the group's safety throughout the event. In response to the ruling, Prattville Pride expressed excitement about celebrating their inclusion, highlighting the communal spirit of the holiday season. The mayor’s office acknowledged the ruling and affirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of all parade participants as well as spectators. This legal battle underscores the larger issues of LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of expression, especially in communities where such conversations can be contentious or polarizing. With this ruling, Mississippi Pride not only wins the right to participate but also reinforces the constitutional protection of free speech in public forums.