LGBTQ groups make 1st appearance in Utah July Fourth parade

LGBTQ groups make 1st appearance in Utah July Fourth parade

PROVO, Utah (AP) — Utah LGBTQ groups marched for the first time Wednesday in a prominent July Fourth festival in the conservative city of Provo after years of organizers blocking the groups from participating.

The groups were met by cheers and rainbow flags as they marched Wednesday morning in the America’s Freedom Festival parade.

Participating groups included a center for LGBTQ youth and an organization that works to bridge divides between the LGBTQ community and the Mormon church.

The groups have been blocked in the past from participating.

Their parade application was initially denied this year by festival organizers who said participants cannot focus on political or social issues but should instead focus on patriotism.

County officials threatened to pull $100,000 in taxpayer money from the privately-organized event until festival organizers struck a deal allowing the groups to participate.