WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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The Owen County Commissioners passed an ordinance that made it harder to host special events on county property. News Director Kade Young talked to the President of Spencer Pride, an LGBTQ organization that now has to change the location of its annual festival.
After the commissioners made revisions and improved the language of the special events ordinance, it passed with the commissioners denying room for public comment. Now, Spencer Pride will relocate its annual pride festival to the area surrounding the courthouse lawn—where the festival had taken place for years leading up to the special events ordinance.
The ordinance said, “displaying any sexually explicit or suggestive materials, items or images is prohibited. No vendor may sell or display any sexually explicit or suggestive materials, items or images on county grounds.” It also states the update to regulating special events stems from a need to protect public health, safety and welfare of Owen County.
The ordinance was signed by President of the Commissioners Jeff Brothers, Vice President Steve Williamson and County Commissioner Gary Burton.
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Spencer Pride President Jonathan Balash said he was disappointed how the commissioners passed the ordinance.
Balash said the Commissioners’ views do not represent the people of Spencer. He said the amount of support Spencer Pride has seen from the public reveals a disconnect between the people of Spencer and its elected officials. Balash said the passage of the ordinance is purely ideological.
Although Balash appreciates the support he’s received from community members, he said he can’t help but feel let down by the county commissioners.
One of those downtown events include the county’s Christmas at the Square Festival. All in all, Spencer Pride Festival was not the only festival impeded by the ordinance.
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The revision of the special events ordinance in Owen County came after a Facebook group titled Morals of America sent a form letter to county commissioners. The Facebook group was launched by anonymous Owen County residents, and its premise is largely anti-LGBTQ.
The organization’s views can be summed-up through a picture they posted on Facebook. It features the letter L – G – B and T. Above the L, it shows an image of Lady Liberty. Above the G, it shows the image of a gun. Above the B, it shows a graphic of beer. Lastly, above the T, it shows an outline of President Trump.
The group says they believe the world is in a, “downward spiral from the lack of good God-given morals” and why they believe it’s important to not bow down to the “evils of society.”
Morals of America posted that Spencer Pride exhibits, “filth and lewd behavior.”
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Balash said he’s optimistic for the LGBTQ community in Spencer. Although the ordinance set the community back, he said Spencer Pride will send a symbolic message to the commissioners at the June 6th Pride Festival.
Given the passage of the ordinance, the Pride Festival will not take place at the courthouse lawn. Instead, Balash said they will utilize the town itself surrounding the courthouse with an attempt to incorporate more local organizations.
