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Owosso Council approves street closure for Pride amid heated public comments over youth exposure
Summary
Council approved a traffic-control order for the Owosso Pride event on May 30 while hearing multiple public comments urging restrictions on drag performances for children; council members debated free-speech limits and permitting rules, with city attorney noting speech protections.
The Owosso City Council approved a traffic-control order allowing Owosso Pride to close Curwood Castle Drive for its May 30 event even as several residents urged the council to bar drag performances from public spaces where children might attend.
During the public comment period, Shelly Ochodnicky said she felt Pride events are “not appropriate for children.” Laura Day said Council’s approval of the event amounted to endorsing “that lifestyle” and asked members to reconsider. Don Fields told council he had submitted video last year he said showed participants “violating decency laws” and urged enforcement. By contrast, Sarah Elliott, pastor at First United Methodist Church, said attendees are celebrating who they are and argued children’s safety would not be affected by the event.
The traffic-control order (No. 1557) to close Curwood Castle Drive from Bradley Street to North Shiawassee Street on Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. was included in the consent agenda and was approved by council as presented. Councilmember Emily S. Olson made the motion to approve the consent agenda, which included the traffic-control order, and the motion carried by unanimous vote.
Council discussion reflected differing views. Councilmember Christopher D. Owens said he “agrees with most of the comments he heard that children should not be involved in drag shows” and asked why the City is not enforcing its ordinance; City Attorney Gould replied that “legally drag shows, dress, and theatrics are free speech.” Councilmember Rachel M. Osmer urged those concerned about children’s welfare to take practical action in the community and called for compassionate discourse, while Councilmember Emily S. Olson said many objections were religiously grounded and emphasized the city is for everyone.
The city manager previously explained that event approvals for the amphitheater follow neutral permitting rules: applications that meet requirements must be approved regardless of the event’s subject. The approved traffic-control order formalizes the roadway closure and safety measures for the scheduled event.
The council did not amend the Adult Entertainment ordinance at this meeting; several speakers specifically asked for ordinance changes or enforcement review but no formal motion to change code language was made. The next regular council meeting is May 18, when several items—including the rezoning public hearing and previously declared pecuniary interest items—are scheduled.
