LOOGOOTEE — A federal court has ruled in favor of the Patoka Valley AIDS Community Action Group in its First Amendment lawsuit against the City of Loogootee, paving the way for the return of the annual LGBTQ+ celebration to the center of town.
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana struck down municipal special event ordinances restricting public gatherings near the historic Public Square, finding that the rules violated constitutional speech protections by granting city officials unbridled discretion over event permitting. As part of the order, the judge mandated that the city permit Loogootee PrideFest 2026 to proceed on Saturday, September 5, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in and around the Public Square, complete with all requested street closures.
The legal victory, represented in court with support from the ACLU of Indiana, marks the culmination of a multi-year battle between festival organizers and local municipal leadership.
In prior years, the city council attempted to restrict or block special event permits on the Public Square through various ordinance rewrites and revocations, prompting legal challenges that previously resulted in the city being held in contempt of court for failing to adhere to federal speech protections.
Organizers expressed relief and enthusiasm following the ruling, noting that public spaces like the Public Square are traditional forums meant to be accessible to all community members without discriminatory barriers. With the judicial order now in effect, festival hosts are finalizing vendor setups, entertainment schedules, and community outreach programs for Saturday’s event.
