By Sarah Stephens and Malia Riggs
Elmor Autauga News
City officials have confirmed that a federal judge has ruled against the City of Prattville and the city has been ordered to allow the Prattville Pride float to remain in the Christmas parade which begins at 7 p.m. in downtown Prattville.
The city must also provide two security personnel to stay with the float during the parade.
Federal Judge R. Austin Huffaker Jr. released a statement to a local news outlet this afternoon. His statement reads, “at the hearing, the City admitted that the City can easily require two officers to escort Prattville Pride’s float during the two-hour long parade and that it would not be burdensome to do so. The Court struggles with how the City’s decision to remove a law abiding parade participant could ever survive any level of scrutiny when the more easily tailored, and reasonable, response is to simply implement additional security measures, such as two or more law enforcement officers who can walk with the float on the parade route and make an arrest if an egg, water, or rock is thrown.”
Judge Huffaker Jr. is a United States District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama. He was nominated by President Donald J. Trump and joined the Court in 2019.
The City of Prattville released a statement on their Facebook page at 4:40 p.m. today. That statement reads, “this afternoon, a federal judge ordered the City to reinstate Prattville Pride back into the Christmas parade. The City respects the ruling of the Court and will comply with its order. The safety of everyone involved with the parade is a priority. The City hopes that everyone enjoys this Christmas Season and the parade tonight.”
Prattville pride published their official statement on their Facebook this afternoon around 3:45 p.m.
From Prattville Pride.
We are thrilled to share the news that a federal court has granted us an injunction upholding Prattville Prides right to participate in the city’s Christmas parade. This ruling is a powerful affirmation of the importance of visibility, representation, and inclusion for all members of our community. The Christmas parade is a cherished holiday tradition, and we are excited to celebrate alongside our neighbors and friends in the spirit of love, joy, and unity.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to our attorney, Julia Collins, and the Harris Law Firm for their incredible support and timely response. Their willingness to prioritize this case as soon as they heard about the city’s decision was crucial in getting the motion filed in time. We also want to extend a special thank you to Keirsten Wallace for her invaluable assistance in preparing parts of the brief. Her hard work and dedication played an important role in this success.
While we celebrate this important step forward, we must also acknowledge the challenges and hateful rhetoric that have been directed towards our organization and the LGBTQ+ community during this process. Such negativity can have a profound and damaging effect on LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth, who often face heightened risks of isolation, mental health struggles, and rejection.
This is why Prattville Pride exists—to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals feel safe, seen, and supported. Our participation in the Christmas parade is more than just a celebration; it is a statement of belonging and a reminder that love and acceptance are integral to the fabric of our community.
In addition to our ongoing Point of Pride fundraiser, we are calling on our supporters to consider donating to The Trevor Project, a vital organization dedicated to serving at-risk LGBTQ+ youth. By contributing, we can help ensure that young people in our community and beyond receive the support and resources they need to thrive.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has stood by us and advocated for equality. Together, we are building a more inclusive Prattville where everyone has a place to belong. We look forward to spreading holiday cheer and representing the spirit of pride and love during this year’s Christmas parade.
Thank you for your continued support. Let’s keep working together to create a community where every individual feels valued and celebrated.
With pride and gratitude,
**Prattville Pride Leadership**
