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Straight Pride Rally Blocked by California Officials
Sadly, organizers can still save the anti-LGBTQ rally if they do this one thing...
Officials in Modesto, California denied an application from the National Straight Pride Coalition to host a Straight Pride Rally on August 24 in Graceada Park.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the National Straight Pride Coalition "says it supports heterosexuality, Christianity, and white contributions to Western civilization." The group expected around 500 people would attend the rally.
When he was making the case for the rally last week, organizer Don Grundmann declared that the coalition was a "a totally peaceful, racist group."
Talk about a Freudian slip.
Counter-protestor Chris Holland declared the group "a thinly-veiled hate organization."
"They are dressing up their homophobic agenda as a celebration, which mocks everything that Pride is about," he said.
The permit request wasn't denied over any moral obligations, but because the group lost its liability insurance and city officials were concerned about safety.
City spokesman Thomas Reeves did say the "city would allow the rally at a downtown plaza if the group proves it has insurance by Tuesday."
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
