A Giles County couple says their first amendment rights have been trampled by County Executive Graham Stowe.
Stowe rescinded permission for local husband and wife, and Christian business owners Jason and Tonya Guthrie, to use the gazebo, courthouse grounds, and surrounding lawn in Pulaski, Tennessee, on the same day as a scheduled Pride Parade.
The parade on June 3rd is organized by an LGBTQ organization known as the Giles County Inclusivity Coalition (GCIC) who has a history of sponsoring events that include activities not appropriate for minors.
GCIC applied for a permit from the City of Pulaski to use the streets surrounding the gazebo and courthouse grounds but did not request permission to use those areas specifically. Approval for the gazebo and courthouse area are granted separately, by the county.
Following the reservation of the gazebo and surrounding area by Tonya Guthrie, GCIC asked Stowe during a committee meeting for the name of the individual to whom it was reserved. When Stowe refused to disclose that information, GCIC filed a public records request and learned that permission had been given to Tonya.
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