New debate set on gay pride parade, but rejection may stand

Published 10:02 pm Friday, March 2, 2018

JACKSON (AP) — Leaders of a Mississippi city will again debate their rejection of a permit for a gay pride parade, but there’s no evidence officials have changed their minds.

After voting 4-3 to reject the application last month, Alderwoman Sandra Sistrunk said Friday that she had asked the item be returned to the board agenda for next Tuesday’s meeting.

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Sistrunk and Mayor Lynn Spruill, who support the parade, say none of the aldermen who opposed it have told them they want to change their votes. However, Sistrunk says the board should rethink its rejection after Starkville Pride and two organizers sued the city alleging discrimination and free speech violations

A federal judge has yet to set a hearing or rule on the request that she order the city to allow the parade.