A Worcester County LGBTQ+ organization has filed a lawsuit against the town of North Brookfield after its Board of Selectmen denied their application to host a 2024 Pride event, citing concerns over a drag show. This is the second time the town has tried to prevent the Rural Justice Network from organizing the Small Town Pride event, with the board revoking its approval of the 2023 event earlier this year for the same reason.
After the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Massachusetts threatened legal action, the 2023 event was eventually allowed to proceed. Now, the ACLU is representing the organization again in the new lawsuit, arguing that the town’s actions amount to discrimination and censorship against the LGBTQ+ community.
The denial of the event in 2023 came after the Board of Selectmen initially approved RJN’s application to use the town common for the event but later rescinded its approval, claiming that the drag performance was inappropriate and constituted adult entertainment. Following ACLU intervention, the board reversed its decision, but Chairman Jason Petraitis stressed that the vote did not constitute full approval of the event.
According to the lawsuit, the back-and-forth caused by the board’s actions resulted in delays that prevented RJN from securing as many vendors and performers for the event as they had hoped. To avoid similar issues in the future, the organization submitted an application in October to hold Small Town Pride on June 29, 2024.
However, during a recent meeting, Selectman Petraitis voiced objections again, expressing concerns about the drag performance and its accessibility to children. Despite a conflicting opinion from Selectwoman Elizabeth Brooke Canada, Petraitis and Selectman John Tripp refused to second the approval motion, effectively denying the event.
The Rural Justice Network, in a statement, highlighted the historical discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community and emphasized its desire to host an inclusive and family-friendly event that celebrates people of all gender identities, orientations, and expressions.
The lawsuit names Petraitis, Tripp, and the town of North Brookfield as defendants, accusing them of violating RJN’s rights to free expression, association, and assembly, as well as discriminating based on gender. The board’s denial could have financial and logistical consequences for the organization, as the town common is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Despite requests for comment, the Board of Selectmen and the town’s attorney have not yet responded.
The legal battle between the LGBTQ+ organization and the town of North Brookfield continues as the Rural Justice Network fights for its right to celebrate Pride and host an inclusive event. This case raises important questions about freedom of expression, discrimination, and equal rights for all members of the community, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome will have implications for LGBTQ+ rights not only in North Brookfield but across Worcester County and beyond.
