Residents protest cancellation of Greenfield Farmers Market Pride display
GREENFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- There were a lot of rainbows at the Greenfield Farmers Market Sunday after Greenfield Mayor Michael J. Neitzke cancelled a planned Pride display for the event.
"Unfortunately, the Greenfield Mayor decided to cancel the Pride celebration here, and people got pretty upset about that," said Burgelis.
15th District Milwaukee County Supervisor Peter Burgelis spoke through a wired-shut jaw Sunday.
Wauwatosa police say two weeks ago, he was punched by a man at the Mayfair Mall over a parking spot.
Supervisor Burgleis says the man who punched him called him a homophobic slur before the attack.
Burgleis says when he called Mayor Michael J. Neitzke about the cancellation trying to get him to reverse it, the mayor mentioned the attack as part of why he chose to cancel.
"The mayor justified his decision by saying that rainbows and Pride is getting political," said Burgelis, "There is nothing political about sexual orientation; this is people's lives, this is who people are."
Supervisor Burgelis was joined by a few dozen other members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies.
"I was just very sad, because I think we have come a far way and then pushback comes and then we have to push harder and harder," said Alice Hatzenbeller.
She says she's lived in Greenfield for over 20 years, and with family who are also members of the community, she says the mayor's response was disappointing.
"[I have a] grandson who is trans, I've marched in the Pride parade, I myself am gay, I think we need to show who we are, that we're ordinary normal people," said Hatzenbeller.
In a statement to CBS 58 News, Mayor Neitzke said the following:
"If the day goes without disruptive incidents, and is celebratory and safe, then it's been a success. I’m glad everyone is enjoying the Farmers Market."
The people at the event say they wish his response had been different.
"The mayor owes it to his residents to allow them to be their true authentic selves because that's when you have a stronger community," said Burgelis.