Alabama Christmas Parade Mandated To Include LGBT Float

Prattville, Alabama, has been ordered by a federal court to allow an LGBT-themed float in its Christmas parade, following a lawsuit filed by Prattville Pride. The court’s ruling also requires the city to provide additional security for the group after reports of safety concerns.

The group initially received approval to participate in the parade but requested police officers to walk alongside its float following alleged threats. Mayor Bill Gillespie Jr. opted to remove the float instead, citing public safety concerns for participants and spectators.

“The City will not put the rights of parade participants ahead of the safety of its citizens,” Gillespie explained, defending the decision as necessary for the event’s overall security.
After Prattville Pride filed a lawsuit, U.S. District Judge R. Austin Huffaker Jr. ruled in its favor, issuing a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. The group praised the ruling, calling it a step toward greater inclusion and representation.

Critics of the decision argue that the parade, intended as a celebration of Christmas, has been overshadowed by unrelated political debates. “This ruling takes the focus away from the holiday and forces a divisive agenda onto our community,” one resident said.

As the parade prepares to proceed under the court’s mandate, the situation has become a flashpoint for broader discussions about the role of federal courts and the preservation of local holiday traditions.