FROM INDIANA PUBLIC MEDIA

The Indiana American Civil Liberties Union is suing the city of Loogootee, saying the city illegally blocked this year’s PrideFest.

They are requesting the city to allow PrideFest to be held, citing the council’s actions as a First Amendment violation.

The second annual PrideFest was set to take place on Sept. 7 in downtown Loogootee.

The City Council approved the event in November 2023. However, the approval was rescinded after a new ordinance passed in February.

Indiana Public Media reports that organizers says the event is being unfairly singled-out by the new council members.

Another event, Summer Fest, is able to be held in the same place later this month without requiring the same paperwork.

Tracy Brown-Salsman and his husband Tim shortly re-filed an application after the February ordinance to get a new approval.

That request was never voted on, despite being on the council’s agenda for three months.

At the most recent meeting on June 10 , the council again passed another event ordinance and voided the previous requests.

That meat a new request would need to be filed. Brown-Salsman said the new request forms are not available to fill out.

The council lists the new requirements in its June repeal and reissuance of the ordinance, including an $800 fee to use the main stage area.

Brown-Salsman said he is hoping for an injunction so that he will be able to hold the event in the public square, but he also has a backup location picked out as well.