Resident urges council to reconsider allowing Pride event downtown, says families were harmed

Dr. Gregory Mary Eugene Thompson addressed the council during the public-comment period and urged the council to oppose a planned return of a Pride event to Marshall's downtown square, saying last year's event caused harm to families and children. Thompson said his family has deep roots in the community and that what occurred last year "affected families and children in a very negative way because it was okayed right here." He described the event as political and said "it's not for everybody" and that "to close down the square as if that's something special for people is just, it's against God, family, and countries," adding that many residents had expressed distress. The council did not take action during the public-comment period; the remarks were recorded as part of the meeting's public comment docket. The transcript does not show replies from council members or an agenda item immediately following to consider policy changes related to public events. Why it matters: public events on municipal property can trigger policy questions about permits, public safety, use of the square and the role of the council in approving or discouraging events. Public comment also signals strong community sentiment that the council may consider in future permitting or event decisions. Next steps: none recorded in the transcript; the speaker urged the council to direct events away from the square to other public sites if a Pride event proceeds.