Resident urges Caddo Parish commissioners not to declare June Gay Pride Month

Paige Rothpower of Shreveport told the Caddo Parish Commission during public comment that a resolution to declare June Gay Pride Month would be incompatible with her religious beliefs and harmful to children.

"I hope today that each one of your votes... that it's okay for you, as commissioners, to declare that gay pride month is okay over our city, when god clearly says it is not from him," Rothpower said, later adding, "It's not okay with god, and it's not okay with us."

The chair allowed the speaker an additional 30 seconds after a motion from the dais to extend her time. Commissioners did not take formal action on the resolution at the meeting; the item remained listed among new-business items for later consideration.

During subsequent commission remarks, some members pushed back against broad religious framing of policy. Commissioner Rob Burrell contrasted the invocation of religious objections with other civic issues and asked rhetorical questions about consistency when invoking faith in policymaking. Commissioner Burrell and other commissioners noted the commission has supported marginalized groups and said such discussions require careful, respectful debate.

Larry Heard and other public commenters also addressed the commission during the same public‑comment period; Heard praised a recent 'Rising Star' production. The commission's agenda shows the Pride‑month resolution among items that can be advanced on Thursday or later, and commissioners said they would handle scheduling and any formal votes as part of the regular agenda process.

The commission did not vote on the Pride resolution during the work session.