Douglas County commissioner says he wants to ban pride event following fake nipple exposure: Fellow commissioners not in support – Highlands Ranch Herald
In a social media post, Douglas County Commissioner George Teal said he’s interested in banning an LGBTQ event from county-owned property after an uproar over the weekend celebration.
Douglas County PrideFest, an event with exhibits, live performances and food and drink, held its annual event at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock Aug. 27. During a drag show at the celebration, a performer’s breast plate and false nipple were temporarily exposed.
Videos of the performance circulated on social media, where some commenters expressed frustration with the exposure at an event not designated for adults-only. Organizers have sent out an apology over what happened, saying it was not a planned part of the performance.
“It is not in line with the family-family entertainment we had planned,” according to the statement. “We are adding additional steps and oversight to our entertainment planning process to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.”
In Teal’s Facebook post, he said he believes the exposure constituted a violation of zoning uses for the fairgrounds.
“Exotic adult entertainment is not an allowed use at the fairgrounds,” he said. “Doesn’t matter if accidenital.”
He added that he has had issues with Pridefest in the past and that it’s an “honor and privilege” to now be in a position to address his concerns. Teal indicated that another commissioner would vote with him to ban the event but neither of the other two commissioners have voiced interest in the action.
Commmissioner Lora Thomas said she has not had any conversations about the event and that she wouldn’t make a decision on a ban until after all the information and any legal advice are available.
Commissioner Abe Laydon said in a statement Tuesday he would “not use the power of government to support thinly veiled bigotry and anti-gay rhetoric.”
“I am going to continue to support liberty principles and the Constitution of the United States, particularly the First Amendment, but of course with all the legal time, place and manner restrictions to ensure our venues are not being used to display activity that is illegal,” according to the statement.
Castle Rock pride, the non-profit that hosts the event, has the mission of building a supportive community for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents of Castle Rock, Colorado and surrounding areas.