Residents and clergy urge and oppose Claremore Pride at council public comment

Hundreds of residents filled the Claremore City Council chamber during public comment to debate a planned Claremore Pride event at Claremore Lake, and speakers from both sides urged the council to defend either the festival’s right to assemble or to protect community religious values. The remarks took place during the council’s public-comment period at a regularly scheduled meeting.

The dispute centered on whether a family-oriented Pride event — organized by a local group and described by organizers as following “PG-13” standards — is an appropriate use of the park and whether the council has a role beyond ensuring that city permitting and the law are followed. Supporters said the festival offers a safety net for LGBTQ+ youth; opponents cited scripture and concerns about public morality.

Anna Bell Kissinger, introduced herself as “president of Fenimore Bridal and the founder of Pride in the Park” and said the festival is meant to send a simple message to children: “You are loved for as you are.” Kissinger told the council the organizers plan to keep performances family‑friendly and said the festival’s aim is community support and youth safety, noting “over 900 people interested…40 vendors.”

Several local clergy and congregants spoke in favor of the event. Pastor Tim McHugh of Grace United Methodist Church framed his remarks in religious terms: he said following Jesus requires “moving toward the people others moved away from” and urged compassion for LGBTQ+ residents. Reverend Nalessa Singelbrecht, identifying herself as an ordained minister in the Disciples of Christ tradition and a Claremore resident, argued the Bill of Rights protects peaceful assembly and that theological disagreements should not determine whether a lawful public event proceeds.

Other speakers described personal experience. Jaden Austin, a 15‑year‑old student, said being treated with “kindness and respect” is the message he hopes the community will embrace. Jennifer Hancock, who identified herself as a Claremore resident, retired teacher and member of a local church and civic group, said she will attend and support the festival as a parent of a gay adult child.

Several speakers opposed the event on religious grounds and read or cited scriptural passages. One commenter read long passages from Leviticus, Genesis and Romans and argued those texts forbade same‑sex conduct; another referenced Acts 17 and warned against “worship of self.” Those speakers did not identify themselves with an organizational title in the transcript.

Speakers on both sides asked the council to respect the law. Reverend Singelbrecht reminded the council that the First Amendment protects assembly and speech and asked elected officials to “set aside any personal preferences” in carrying out their duties. Organizers asked council members and residents to attend events to understand their intentions.

The public‑comment period does not allow council deliberation or formal responses, and members did not engage in a back‑and‑forth with speakers during the time reserved for public comment. The disagreement signaled continued local debate ahead of the festival and underscored competing community views about religion, free expression and youth outreach.

The council moved on to its regular agenda after the comment period; no formal council action about the event — such as a permit denial or new ordinance — was recorded in the meeting transcript.