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NORTH BROOKFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Officials in a small Massachusetts town have revoked permission for a local group to hold a Pride event because it included a drag show, drawing a sharp rebuke from the American Civil Liberties Union, which said the town is trampling on the organization's constitutional rights.
Against backdrop of anti-LGBTQI rhetoric and laws nationwide, the town's select board chair called drag shows "adult entertainment."
The ACLU of Massachusetts is calling on the board to overturn their decision, stating that "drag is a creative celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, and the government has not right to sensor LGBTQ+ people and expression."
The Massachusetts ACLU called the Select Board's vote discriminatory and a violation of free speech.
As the Boston City Council votes on Mayor Michelle Wu's rent control proposal, could Somerville be next to take action? Plus, the constitutional right to be rude.