Straight Pride Parade

On what grounds could the city refuse a permit for this?

The city of Modesto is considering awarding a permit for a straight pride march in a local park and residents have mixed reviews on the idea.

A flyer circulating on social media posted by the National Straight Pride Coalition says Stanislaus County will host the event August 24th in Modesto’s Graceada Park. The city is reviewing the application and said phones are ringing off the hook.

“We’ve been getting letters, emails, comments, and phone calls all day about it,” said Kristi Ah You, council member for District 3.

Ah You said if it was up to her, this permit wouldn’t be considered because the message behind the event constitutes hate speech and sets us back 25 years.

That last comment would be Exhibit A in any court case if the permit is denied.

Councilmember Ah You is all for free speech and first amendment rights but says the permit being considered by the city crosses the line and hopes the flyer doesn’t generate attention.

"All for free speech".  Orwell is spinning in his grave.

If they'd just granted the permit and not made a to-do about this, maybe a dozen people would show up.  The free publicity being given is going to encourage even more people to show, which is the opposite of what "free speech advocate" Ah You wants.