Prattville Pride, the group at the center of the much-debated drag queen Christmas parade float, has filed an injunction against the city after Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie pulled the float, citing safety concerns.
Gillespie said in a statement that the city decided to pull the float days before the Friday parade after representatives with Prattville Pride emailed him complaining of possible safety issues at the parade.
"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. "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."
The left-wing website Alabama Political Reporter (APR) received a copy of the email sent to Gillespie from Prattville Pride Vice President Caryl Lawson. The email does not list specific threats but asks city leadership to provide additional police security for the pride float, including two officers to walk alongside it.
"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," Lawson wrote.
"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 same day as Gillespie's announcement, Prattville Pride filed an injunction in federal court to keep itself in the parade.
The injunction, also provided to the left-wing APR, gives a seemingly contradictory statement of facts by claiming Gillespie had "had no legitimate concerns or credible evidence of any threats to public safety," despite Lawson asking for additional police protection for alleged threats received.
"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 individuals threatening the safety of anyone at the 'Christmas in Prattville Christmas Parade,' and that the decision to remove Prattville Pride from the 'Christmas in Prattville Christmas Parade' is nothing more than the City of Prattville and Mayor Gillespie bowing to the pressure from extremists and hecklers in the community who oppose the views of Prattville Pride," APR reports the motion as saying.
APR reported that attorney Julia Collins served Gillespie notice of the injunction Thursday evening during a tree lighting ceremony.
Collins was jailed in 2017 by Autauga County District Judge Joy Booth for contempt of court after recording a juvenile court proceeding.
Prattville Pride announced that it was hopeful the injunction would be granted before Friday’s parade and planned to proceed with building the float.
Prattville city attorney cautioned the city council not to intervene earlier this week, citing First Amendment concerns. In the aftermath, at least one parade participant, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, announced it was pulling out of the parade due to the pride float.
Social media, specifically local Facebook groups, have been divided on the issue since it came to light. Many opposed expressed disgust and displeasure at the float's inclusion in an ostensibly religious holiday celebration. Those supportive of the inclusion have likewise criticized those opposed, with accusations ranging from religious bigotry to outright hate.
Clean Up Alabama, the group founded out of the Prattville library controversy, has spearheaded efforts to remove the float from the parade. After Gillespie's announcement, the group released the following statement:
"We've been vocal about our concerns with Prattville Pride being allowed to sexualize the Prattville Christmas Parade, but threats and violence are unacceptable. Clean Up Alabama does not condone threats or violence. We continue to pray for those we disagree with and hope the authorities will deal with this situation appropriately."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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