Federal Judge Orders Alabama City To Include LGBT Float In Christmas Parade
A federal judge has ruled that Prattville, Alabama, must allow an LGBT-themed float in its annual Christmas parade and provide police protection for the group. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from residents who believe the court is overstepping its bounds and undermining the culture and meaning behind the event.
Prattville Pride was initially permitted to join the parade but requested additional security after claiming to have received threats. The group asked the city to assign two police officers to walk alongside the float. In response, Mayor Bill Gillespie Jr. decided to remove the group from the event entirely, citing safety concerns.
“The City will always respect freedoms and rights of expression. However, as in this instance, it must put the overall safety of its citizens first,” Gillespie explained, emphasizing that the decision was based on protecting everyone involved in the parade.
Prattville Pride filed a lawsuit, prompting U.S. District Judge R. Austin Huffaker Jr. to issue a ruling requiring the float to be included. The judge also mandated that the city provide the requested security. The group celebrated the decision, calling it a victory for inclusion and visibility.
Many Prattville residents see the ruling as an unnecessary federal intervention into what they view as a community celebration of Christmas. “This has nothing to do with Christmas. It’s a political agenda being forced onto a holiday tradition,” said one resident, expressing frustration over the decision.
The parade is scheduled to proceed under the court’s mandate, but the controversy has left many questioning why a celebration of Christmas has become a focal point for unrelated issues. For the community, the ruling highlights ongoing tensions between preserving traditions and addressing broader societal debates.
