The culture war in Taylor of “traditional, family and biblical” values versus rights and protections for LGBTQplus identity and other groups rages on.
At the Dec. 8 Council meeting, city leaders tabled a controversial agenda item that could have prevented the Taylor Area Ministerial Alliance from co-sponsoring their Taylor Christmas Parade of Lights next year.
But that didn’t stop many citizens from packing City Hall chambers and signing up to give their opinion on the item, which dealt with guidelines and procedures the city is drafting, which could deny city co-sponsorship, including police personnel and street closures, to organizations that represent religious views for special events.
“I believe the staff has some work to do on that would like to bring it back to the council, so I think we are looking to postpone the discussion from council on that,” said Mayor Brandt Rydell.
Nevertheless, the citizens communication portion of the meeting was lively, with one local one pastor delivering a speed sermon on the “good news of Jesus Christ” and several members of a Christian advocacy group discussing possible legal action if the city moved forward with the guidelines, to others giving heartfelt thanks to the city for sticking up for the rights of LGBTQ community and moving Taylor into the modern age.
“I just wanted to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for seeing these people who have been shunned by so many people that will stand up here at this podium tonight,” said Regina Baker. “You saw them. You protected them, and you recognized them, and I thank you.”
However, a majority of citizens present were in favor of allowing co-sponsorship of the parade for TAMA, which has run the parade for more than a decade, but this year changed its own registration guidelines to allow only floats conveying traditional family and biblical values in response to a float the previous year from Taylor Pride that included individuals in drag.
“The council and the DEI Committee’s response to the shrill dog whistle of Diversity Equity and Inclusion continues to exclude one group, and that group is Christians,” said Albert Lyles at the meeting. “When we ask that the parade’s participants be respectful of our biblical beliefs and family values, we are told that we must subjugate those beliefs to a small and vocal minority.”
This year, citing inclusivity, the city offered a second LGBTQ plus friendly holiday parade, immediately following TAMA’s.
But not all residents appreciated this move, nor the proposed guidelines for next year.
Resident Kevin Stuart complained that city staff were unresponsive to his questions about issues relating to the parade.
“We all share this wonderful town, but the staff work for us, and they work for you,” said Kevin Stuart. “It seemed to me that they have lost the plot. That they have an agenda, and they didn’t appreciate asking questions about that agenda.”
TAMA member Jeff Ripple, a pastor at Christ Fellowship Church, said the city did not have to take the action that it did.
“This is not about being required to do this, this is a choice you have made as the council,” Ripple said.
However, several citizens applauded the city’s efforts.
“In the last few weeks, there has been downright disrespect for the city council, and I am concerned about that,” said Janetta McCoy. “I think you have done an amazing job bringing this town into the 21st century and bringing prosperity to this town.”
Terry Pierce, an Episcopal priest who lives in Taylor, said she believed in a separation of church and state.
“I am here because I believe a small minority of people identifying themselves as representatives of Taylor Christian communities and Taylor ministers do not represent my views or the views of many close to me who identify as Christian,” Pierce said. “I am here tonight to speak in favor of the proposed guidelines.”
