Civil rights attorneys in Aurora said an administrative law judge has upheld the city's decision to revoke the permit for the Aurora Pride Parade initially scheduled to take place Sunday.
The American Civil Liberties Union said they will now go to federal court to force the city to allow the Pride parade to move forward.
Aurora city attorney John Murphy argued that, at a time of polarization and violence, it would be an unacceptable risk to hold Sunday’s scheduled Pride parade without enough police officers on duty.
Not enough police officers volunteered for the overtime after the parade committee asked LGBTQ+ officers who wanted to march in the parade not to wear their uniforms and not to bring their guns.
Related
Outside of the branch court, activist Tracy Sherman Falcone questioned why it was voluntary for police provide security.
“I am a truck driver for a company, and I am forced to work on holidays because there is a need,” she said. “If there is a need for safety, for one day, I think they can do it and should do it.”
Pride parade attorney Kevin Fee argued it was unfair and unconstitutional to revoke the permit for the parade at the last minute.
Related
In a statement, the ACLU accused city officials of creating a fake controversy and wrote:
“It is unacceptable that Aurora city officials have denied a permit for the upcoming Pride parade. The parade has been a family friendly event, aimed at welcoming all members of the Aurora community for a celebration of diversity and inclusion.”
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
Related
Related
