Birmingham Pride to Go On Despite Mayor's Objections

Birmingham, Ala.'s mayor announced Friday that he refuses to sign a proclamation allowing for the city's annual gay pride parade, according to the Birmingham News.

Regardless of Mayor Larry Langford's refusal, however, the parade is still set to go on as scheduled, on June 7.

Langford clarified his position Saturday, saying that although he disagrees with the event, he would not restrict the parade’s application. Requests for parade permits go through the police department and typically are not signed by the mayor.

Langford told the News, "I don't think I'm intolerant; I just don't condone the lifestyle. I'm not going to endorse, condone, or condemn anybody. I'm just not going to sign the proclamation."

He cited his support for increased funding for AIDS outreach programs and a nondiscriminatory hiring policy as evidence of his fair treatment of all people.

Despite the mayor's comments, the 20th Gay Pride Parade, sponsored by Central Alabama Pride, will take place in Birmingham's Five Points South district. It is still uncertain whether the police department will approve permits allowing for banners on city property without the mayor’s support.

"Central Alabama Pride is going to stand firm in who we are," said the group's president, Johnathan Quinn. "We are proud every day, and we're building a stronger community, whether it's signed off on or not." (The Advocate)

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Name: Bard
Date posted: 5/29/2008 12:37:00 PM
Hometown: Birmingham

Comment:
I have lived in Birmingham for over ten years and I find the city to be culturally diverse and accepting. Let us all take a moment to remember that Mr. Langford has been sued by a local clothing store for failure to pay his $40,000 plus credit card bill and is currently under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission for fiscal malfeasance. Perhaps his moral compass needs a tune-up.
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Name: Bryan
Date posted: 5/28/2008 3:36:00 PM
Hometown: New Orleans

Comment:
I grew up and lived in Birmingham until 2006. This does not suprise me one bit from the current mayor. Intolerance is one of the many reasons that I left Birmingham. I currently live in New Orleans and am quite happy to be in a city where the mayor and city council gladly welcome gay pride celebrations. The state of Louisiana has a long way to go on being more gay friendly but this city has taken many steps to be open and accepting of all people.

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