(SF GATE) – A flier for the celebration posted online describes an amalgamation of conservative rallying cries: Christianity, Western civilization, "babies – born and unborn" and more.
An application to hold the event later this summer has thrust a California city into a national debate over "straight pride," as a similar event that started out as a joking skewer of liberal "identity politics" heads toward reality in Boston. Last month, Boston approved the permit application and route of an August straight-pride parade that many called a mockery of gay activism. Organizers insisted they "don't hate anyone" and are trying to draw attention to "heterophobia."
The city of Modesto, California, says its decision on whether the parade can be held Aug. 24 in Graceada Park hinges on logistics and not the organizers' views, spokesman Thomas Reeves told the Los Angeles Times.
"So although the city does not share in the beliefs of some groups that choose to hold their events here, we may not be able to deny a permit based on an organization's values," Reeves said. The Central Valley city is looking at "operational feasibility."