Straight Pride Rally Blocked by California Officials

Officials in Modesto, California denied an application from the National Straight Pride Coalition to host a Straight Pride Rally on August 24 in Graceada Park.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the National Straight Pride Coalition "says it supports heterosexuality, Christianity, and white contributions to Western civilization." The group expected around 500 people would attend the rally.

When he was making the case for the rally last week, organizer Don Grundmann declared that the coalition was a "a totally peaceful, racist group." 

Talk about a Freudian slip. 

Counter-protestor Chris Holland declared the group "a thinly-veiled hate organization."

"They are dressing up their homophobic agenda as a celebration, which mocks everything that Pride is about," he said.

The permit request wasn't denied over any moral obligations, but because the group lost its liability insurance and city officials were concerned about safety.

City spokesman Thomas Reeves did say the "city would allow the rally at a downtown plaza if the group proves it has insurance by Tuesday."