The local group Prattville Pride is boasting of participating in the city's Mardi Gras parade after receiving a federal judge's injunction to access the city's Christmas parade last month.
Prattville Pride acquired a federal judge's order last December to induce the city to allow their participation in the city's Christmas parade. Now, the group is advertising its placement in Pratville's February 1 Mardi Gras celebration.
"We would love for you to walk with us and help us spread the love, joy, and unity that Mardi Gras and Pride are all about," the group said in a post. "Whether you're LGBTQ+ or an ally, this is your chance to join in the fun, celebrate the holiday, and make some unforgettable memories. So, grab your beads, don your brightest colors, and let's show Prattville how fabulous our community is!"
The group appears to have already granted approval from the city to participate, so it's unclear if Prattville Pride will need to acquire another federal inducement against the city.
The city's rules for the Mardi Gras parade are similar to those of the Christmas parade.
As with the Christmas parade, the rules state that the city "reserves the right to reject or accept any parade entry for any reason whatsoever, and to determine participation based on suitability for the occasion."
It also says, "No flags can be flown or displayed in City of Prattville Parades" except the U.S. flag. Prattville Pride may have violated this provision in its Christmas parade float, as it had one person leading the float brandishing a trans flag with a fist in the center.
The rules also state participation can be denied for "entries deemed in bad taste, offensive, lewd, etc."
Prattville Pride narrowly slipped into the Christmas parade in December after Mayor Gillespie announced that the city decided to pull the float days before the parade after representatives with Prattville Pride emailed him complaining of possible safety issues at the parade.
The same day as Gillespie's announcement, Prattville Pride filed an injunction in federal court to remain in the parade.
U.S. District Judge R. Austin Huffaker, Jr. swiftly granted the injunction, mandating the group's participation and additional police escorts.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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