A federal court has ruled that Loogootee, Indiana, committed a First Amendment violation by blocking the Loogootee PrideFest from the city’s public square. On August 28, 2025, U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young issued a permanent injunction against the city’s special events ordinance, ordering PrideFest to proceed on September 6, 2025, in the downtown public square. The ACLU lawsuit, filed on behalf of the Patoka Valley AIDS Community Action Group, argued that the city’s restrictive policies targeted the LGBTQ+ event, denying public square access. This Indiana court ruling marks a victory for LGBTQ+ rights and free expression in a small rural community.
Human Toll
The Loogootee PrideFest controversy has deeply affected the local LGBTQ+ community, which has faced harassment, including slurs, vandalism, and threats, as reported by residents like Tracy and Tim Brown-Salsman. The city’s 2024 and 2025 ordinances, which restricted events to two parks instead of the public square, were seen as attempts to suppress visibility for LGBTQ+ rights. Organizers, supported by the ACLU lawsuit, emphasized that hosting PrideFest downtown is crucial for community acceptance, with Tracy Brown-Salsman stating, “Visibility literally saves lives!” The ruling restores hope but highlights ongoing tensions in Loogootee’s 2,600-person community.
Facts
Judge Richard L. Young found Loogootee’s special events ordinance unconstitutional, citing its lack of narrow tailoring, which burdened free speech excessively. The ordinance, amended in 2024 and 2025, imposed a 45-day permit application deadline, small group permitting rules, and location restrictions, limiting events to two parks. The ACLU lawsuit highlighted that other events, like Summer Fest, faced no such barriers, suggesting discriminatory enforcement. The court’s August 28 injunction struck down the 2025 ordinance, ensuring public square access for PrideFest from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on September 6, 2025, with requested street closures.
Climate Context
The Indiana court ruling reflects a broader state-federal dispute over LGBTQ+ rights and free expression in rural communities. Loogootee’s history of pushback, including the 2022 Pride flag controversy and reported harassment, underscores a polarized climate. The ACLU lawsuit parallels similar First Amendment challenges, such as at Indiana State University, where campus Pride events faced restrictions. With the 2025 election approaching, such rulings highlight tensions over inclusivity, as small towns navigate partisan divides and advocacy for marginalized groups.
What Lies Ahead
While the ruling secures Loogootee PrideFest’s place in the public square, the legal battle may continue if the city appeals. The decision could set a precedent for other municipalities, reinforcing that public square access cannot be denied based on event content. The ACLU’s ongoing litigation against similar restrictions suggests broader implications for LGBTQ+ rights nationwide. Organizers plan to use the September 6 event to foster unity, but community divisions may persist, requiring continued advocacy.
Conclusion
The Indiana court ruling against Loogootee’s ordinance affirms that blocking Loogootee PrideFest was a First Amendment violation, securing public square access for the September 6, 2025, event. The ACLU lawsuit victory underscores the importance of protecting LGBTQ+ rights and free expression in rural areas. As Loogootee navigates its complex relationship with its LGBTQ+ community, this decision strengthens the fight for equality and visibility.
