ACLU backs pride parade organizers in banning uniformed cops

pride flag
Pride flag, parade Photo credit Getty Images

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A civil rights organization has warned Aurora leaders about taking action against organizers of the suburb's Pride Parade for banning uniformed police officers who want to take part in the event.

Organizers have said some people attending the parade on June 12 may be uncomfortable seeing officers in uniform and wearing service weapons while participating in the march. They say past police harassment of the LGBTQ+ community is a factor.

Rebecca Glenberg, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, said parade organizers have a constitutional right to set the guidelines.

“They get to decide what the message is of the event and how that message will be communicated. And that includes who is allowed to march as a group, and it includes things like what they might be carrying and what they might be wearing,” she said.

The Daily Herald reports Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, a Republican candidate for governor, expressed disappointment with the parade committee and said the city would have a "plan" in response.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images