The statewide group Clean Up Alabama is trying to stop a float in the Prattville Christmas Parade, which is touted as "the gayest and merriest ever."
Clean Up Alabama was formed in Prattville after several locals became involved in the now-statewide controversy surrounding sexually explicit library books targeted at children. Another local group, Prattville Pride, has been around longer but has been especially active since parents began protesting the library books.
Representatives from Prattville Pride make regular appearances at library board, city council and county commission meetings to speak in favor of keeping the children's books others have deemed sexually explicit.
Recently, 1819 News reported that Prattville Pride had secured a spot to have a float in the upcoming annual Christmas parade.
SEE: Prattville Pride group to have first-ever Christmas parade float – 'Gayest and merriest ever'
The Christmas parade is one of Prattville's most popular events, drawing viewers and participants from around the state. There is currently a waitlist for those wishing to have a float in the parade since all spots for this year have been filled since September.
In response, Clean Up Alabama is asking its supporters to petition city officials to put a stop to the Pride float.
"Over the summer [Prattville Pride] held a 'family-friendly' pride event that included drag queens dancing for CHILDREN," a Clean Up Alabama release stated. "The Christmas parade is a celebration of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ the Messiah. It is NOT a time to celebrate someone's sexual preferences. And it is certainly not a place for a drag show."
"The parade rules clearly state that 'the city reserves the right to reject any parade entry for any reason whatsoever, and to determine participation based on suitability for the occasion.'"
Clean Up Alabama proposed two options for the city: remove the float from the parade based on existing rules or pass a city ordinance specifically protecting children in public spaces.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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