PRATTVILLE, Ala — In a troubling display of intolerance, Clean Up Alabama has launched a campaign to exclude Prattville Pride from the city’s cherished Christmas parade. This group, notorious for its regressive views, has long targeted LGBTQ+ representation under the guise of protecting children. Their actions echo the discriminatory tactics of the past, reminiscent of segregation-era exclusion.
Clean Up Alabama’s history is marred by attempts to censor library content and stifle diversity. Originating in Prattville, the group has ties to politically charged organizations like Moms for Liberty and the Eagle Forum. Their campaigns have included efforts to remove LGBTQ+ books from libraries, leading to public clashes with groups like Read Freely Alabama, which advocates for open access to information. The group’s tactics have drawn comparisons to those of Moms for Liberty, including controversial actions such as quoting Adolf Hitler in communications, which they later retracted.
Their fixation on LGBTQ+ issues diverts attention from genuine community needs, tarnishing Alabama’s reputation. Critics argue that their actions betray the true spirit of Christmas—a time for love and unity, not division and hate.
Prattville’s parade celebrates inclusivity and community spirit, yet Clean Up Alabama’s efforts threaten this harmony. The group’s influence extends beyond parades; they have been instrumental in reshaping library policies in Prattville to align with their narrow views. This includes labeling books with LGBTQ+ themes as inappropriate and pushing for their removal from public access.
As the parade approaches, the community must decide whether to embrace diversity or succumb to divisive rhetoric that stains the season’s joy. Clean Up Alabama’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for acceptance and equality in a state still grappling with its cultural identity.