California Town
Debates Pride Parade

Residents of Salinas, Calif., located near Monterey, on Tuesday debated hosting a gay pride parade.

Two weeks ago the city's administrators approved a permit for a downtown gay pride parade, but dozens of residents on both sides of the issue showed up during the regular city council meeting Tuesday to express their opinions.

According to The Monterey County Herald, at least 19 people spoke about the parade, with supporters and foes about equally represented. It was the largest turnout during public comments in Salinas in recent history.

Some detractors of the event, mostly members of various churches, cited the Bible to say God looks down on homosexuality. Defenders of the gay and lesbian community were equally forceful in their arguments.

"Intolerance ... you can wrap it up in the Scriptures, but it's still intolerance," said Katherine Thoeni, executive director of John XXIII HIV/AIDS Services, reports the Herald.

After about an hour of public comment, Mayor Dennis Donohue said he was sorry to disappoint the crowd but said the issue was not up to the city council to decide and there would be no vote.

As of Wednesday, the parade is still scheduled to take place on August 10 at 2 p.m. (The Advocate)