Don Grundmann's gaffe makes him a national laughing stock

IN arguing his case for a rally in Modesdo, California, Don Grundmann, the homophobic extremist who heads of the National Straight Pride Coalition – (motto: Save the next generation of babies) – drew looks of amazement and laughter from local councillors when he inadvertently admitted that his was a racist organisation.

Modesto City leaders later decided not to allow the rally to take place, saying on Friday that the group will have to find another venue to hold their march and parade.

City spokesperson Thomas Reeves said there were issues with the event.

As of tonight I can confirm the City of Modesto will be denying the permit.

The ‘Straight Pride’ event was planned in Modesto’s Graceada Park for August 24. Reeves says the event organisers were faced with a problem.

We were informed today by the insurance carrier that they are denying insurance. If you don’t have insurance, you can’t reserve one of our parks. The second thing is our concern for safety. We have a big concern for the residents around Graceada Park where the event was planned to be held.

Reeves says ‘Straight Pride’ organisers can apply for another permit to hold the event at an alternative site not in a residential area and will still have to ensure they have proper insurance.

Grundmann claims he was set up to fail.

My presumption is that were being set up to be told that the bureaucratic process won’t be completed in time.

He even suggested that Modesto city council members had an agenda of their own.

Even if I turned in an insurance policy as I’m speaking to you, we would be told that it’s too late to complete the process. Maybe that isn’t true, but it wouldn’t surprise me if that occurs.

The event was advertised on social media in a colorful flyer celebrating heterosexuality, masculinity and more.

Opponents at a city meeting last Wednesday night said the event is really about white supremacy and hate speech.

Image via YouTube

Matthew Mason, above, is a student and LGBTQ activist who came out as gay four years ago. His adoptive mother, who lives in Modesto, was in support of the ‘Straight Pride’ Event.

Mason said Modesto is an inclusive city and council members made the right decision.

Everybody in the community has really been speaking out and taken a stance against this really harmful rhetoric that Don Grundmann is trying to bring to our community.

Earlier, Mason expressed fear that the rally would end in violence.

Adam Webber also had issues with some of the language he was hearing from Grundmann and supported the city.

I think it was the right decision. I‘m openly gay myself and also a physically disabled person so obviously, I would be concerned about a group like that coming into the area.