Pride Event Permit Rejected
A Texas city council has denied a permit for a planned LGBT Pride event at a local Episcopal church, one year after the same festival was held at the location.
The Southlake City Council voted Tuesday to reject a permit request for the Pride Kel-So festival, which was scheduled for Oct. 3 at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church.
The resolution involved a specific use permit allowing a mass gathering at the church. Before reaching the City Council, the proposal had been recommended for approval by the Southlake Planning and Zoning Commission.
After hearing comments from several residents, however, City Council members unanimously voted against the permit.
Organizer Attends Council Vote
Event organizer and city permit applicant April Dreyson attended the meeting as residents presented opinions on both sides of the proposed Pride event.
The council’s decision means the festival did not receive the requested city authorization for the planned gathering at the Episcopal church.
Church Cites Christian Mission
The Rev. Ellen Singer, associate pastor at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, spoke about the congregation’s decision to host the LGBT event.
Singer said the church was excited to provide the location as part of its effort to follow Jesus’ command to love God and love one’s neighbors.
“Our mission directly from Jesus is to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves, and our motto is to welcome everyone,” Singer said. “All are welcome. No exceptions.”
Singer said the congregation’s approach has resulted in the church opening its campus to numerous community activities and organizations, including Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and Fever United Soccer Club.
Church Points to Previous Festival
Singer described hosting Pride Kel-So as another extension of the church’s community outreach, saying the congregation wanted to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for people to gather.
She also described the 2025 Pride Kel-So festival as “a great success” and said she saw no reason the planned 2026 event would be different.
Despite the church’s support and the earlier recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Southlake City Council unanimously denied the requested permit.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any decisions. Source: Christian News & Investigative Reports (CNIR) — cnirbc.com
