COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—An annual event in Colorado Springs organized by gays and lesbians has the ceremonial support of a city leader for the first time in years.
Vice Mayor Larry Small has issued a personal letter of support for PrideFest, which will include a parade and interfaith religious service Sunday.
Mayor Lionel Rivera often issues proclamations for city events, but has withheld his support for PrideFest because the event hosts same-sex commitment ceremonies and he opposes gay marriage.
Small, a self-described conservative Republican, says gays and lesbians are members of the community who pay taxes, own businesses.
Colorado Springs is the home of Wil Perkins, author of a 1992 ballot issue that barred Colorado cities from passing laws to protect gays from discrimination. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the law.
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Information from: The Gazette,
