Modesto city officials in California have revoked a permit which would have allowed a so-called Straight Pride rally by the National Straight Pride Coalition that was due to take place on August 24 at Graceada Park.

Last month, flyers began circulating Modesto to promote the event. “Western Civilisation”, “babies – born and unborn”, and “masculinity – feminity” are among the key things the parade wants to celebrate.

In response to the flyer, Modesto Progressive Democrats took to Facebook to say, “Have you ever been fired from a job for being straight? Have you been banned from the USA for being Christian? No? That’s because it’s Straight Pride day EVERY DAY”.

City spokesperson Thomas Reeves says the permit request was denied over safety concerns and due to the group losing its liability insurance. The parks department determined the park was inconsistent with the park’s use.

Reeves added that the city would allow the rally at a downtown plaza if the group can prove it has insurance by Tuesday.

The denial of a permit for a Straight Pride in Modesto follows an address from the head of the National Straight Pride Coalition which unintentionally made councillors and members burst out laughing.

As Don J. Grundmann took the stand, he was met with heckles from audience members and made a mistake while trying to defend his organisation saying it was a “totally peaceful racist group”.

Another speaker at the city council meeting was Matthew Mason, the gay son of Mylinda Mason, a co-organiser of the Straight Pride event.

He denounced both Mylinda and Grundmann at the meeting:

“I have personally heard her use hateful, harmful rhetoric when describing the LGBTQ+ community and non-Christian religious communities,” he said. “Don Grundmann is a radical right-wing fascist from the Bay Area who is attempting to use Modesto as a launching ground for his political and cultural campaign of hate.”