UTAH

Provo’s Freedom Parade will allow LGBTQ groups to participate

Jun 14, 2018, 12:23 PM | Updated: 7:44 pm

PROVO – Five LGBTQ groups who were previously denied to participate in Provo’s Freedom Festival Parade will be included in the event.

The parade will be on July 4 and officials will work with the groups to provide a float in the festivities.

“It’s a win-win,” Freedom Festival spokesman Paul Warner said in an emailed statement Thursday evening.

Officials with Mormon’s Building Bridges tell the Deseret News that they will have a float, combined with groups like Encircle and QueerMeals.  Provo PFlag and Provo Pride will be part of the walking portion.

All five groups reportedly endorsed the agreement.  Equality Utah Executive Director Troy Williams says this is a positive step in the right direction

“We’re all Utahns.  We’re all Americans.  The Provo Freedom Festival is an opportunity for us to celebrate things that we have in common, and we all love this nation,” Williams says.

The once denied groups have agreed to let their American Pride show during the parade.

Williams says, “We kept hearing that the LGBT entries were not patriotic enough, which is really bizarre because there are photos of Star Wars floats going through the parade.”

Earlier on Thursday Freedom Parade organizers were telling the groups that were denied entry to the parade to adjust their applications and re-apply.

Provo PFlag, Provo Pride, Mormons Building Bridges, and the Encircle House were rejected when they tried to sign up for the event.

Brianna Cluck with Provo Pride says meetings with parade organizers over the past year have left them feeling excluded.

“America’s Freedom Festival, Inc. has tried everything they can to discriminate and break contracts they made,” Cluck said.

Cluck says Provo Pride welcomes anyone; regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

“We only wish that America’s Freedom Festival would extend us the same courtesy,” Cluck said.

In total, 22 groups had their applications denied. Parade organizers say all applicants are judged on the same entry requirements.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Utah

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

One woman is dead in a collision involving two cars in Layton Sunday night. (Jeffery Dahdah, KSL-TV...

Matt Brooks, KSL.com

1 dead, multiple passengers taken to hospital after car crash in Layton

The crash remained under investigation, and police had not yet determined a cause as of late Sunday. One woman died in the crash.

11 months ago

A man is in the hospital after falling into the Jordan River on Sunday, May 14, 2023.(Steve Griffin...

Matt Brooks, KSL.com

Man in critical condition after being rescued from Jordan River

Police issued a reminder of the dangerous state of the streams and rivers during the spring runoff after a man was rescued from Jordan River.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Provo’s Freedom Parade will allow LGBTQ groups to participate