Franklin meeting features contested public comment on proposed Pride festival permit

Citizen comment at Franklin's Feb. 10 board meeting included sharply contrasting views about a proposed Pride festival permit. Several Franklin Pride representatives asked the board to approve the group's permit; other residents urged denial on moral or religious grounds.

Clayton Klutz, who identified himself as president of Franklin Pride, asked the board to approve the sixth annual Pride Festival and described the event as family-friendly and collaborative with city departments. "We believe that Franklin Pride serves an important role in our community," Klutz said, adding the festival brings families and supports local vendors.

Robert McNamara, who said he is part of Franklin Pride, emphasized the group's safety record and that it pays full rental costs for the park to ensure events are contained and well managed. "Approval of this permit affirms Franklin's commitment to fairness, free expression, and responsible community engagement," McNamara said.

Several speakers urged denial. Dr. Michael Cocchini — who identified his address and said he will run for mayor in 2027 — urged aldermen to vote against the festival and warned he would remember their votes; the transcript records inflammatory language and moral condemnation of the event. "You guys are voting to permit blatant homosexuality and immorality," Cocchini said. Another resident, Matt Boone, framed his opposition in religious terms and cited passages he said called the festival "detrimental to morals and health."

The remarks were part of the citizen-comment period; the board did not vote on the permit during public comment. Presiding officials said speakers who wished to address items on the consent agenda would do so during citizen comment, and other speakers would be heard when the board reached the relevant agenda item later in the meeting.