Wausau’s first Gay Pride Parade is set for June 22nd, but not everyone welcomes it. Alderman David Nutting didn’t mince words at Tuesday night’s city council session, expressing his opposition to the event he calls “a parade of deviant-behaving individuals,” and encouraging people not to attend.
AUDIO: Alderman David Nutting (:32)
“I represent an overwhelming majority of District 3 residents who oppose allowing a parade of deviant-behaving individuals, to be escorted by public law enforcement members, through the very heart of our family-oriented city to a beautiful family oriented public park,” Nutting said. “I ask that all residents stay away from the parade, or if you do go, stand with your back to the parade.”
Wausau Chief of Police Jeff Hardell said his department will handle this parade like any other. “We are going to provide traffic direction and traffic assistance, and all the things that we normally provide for anyone requesting our assistance.” Hardell said.
The parade organizer has said the event is long overdue, and is encouraging gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender young people to come out and see there is support for them.
