Loogootee, Indiana, January 19, 2026
The ACLU of Indiana has filed a lawsuit against the City of Loogootee, claiming that a newly enacted ordinance unlawfully restricts the annual PrideFest event. This legal action echoes previous court findings that deemed similar provisions unconstitutional, raising concerns over First Amendment rights for the LGBTQ+ community in the area. This ongoing dispute highlights broader issues of governance, civic engagement, and the rights of individuals to express their identities publicly.
Loogootee, Indiana
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Indiana has filed a lawsuit against the City of Loogootee, alleging that a new ordinance unlawfully restricts the annual PrideFest event, infringing upon First Amendment rights.
Details of the Lawsuit
The ACLU’s legal action, initiated on January 15, 2026, challenges Ordinance No. 2025-14, enacted by Loogootee in December 2025. This ordinance, according to the ACLU, mirrors provisions previously deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana in October 2025. The court had issued a permanent injunction against the enforcement of the 2025 ordinance, which had imposed restrictions on public events, including PrideFest. The ACLU argues that the new ordinance continues the city’s pattern of attempting to unconstitutionally restrict celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community.
Background Context
Loogootee, a small city in southwestern Indiana with a population of approximately 2,600, has been the focal point of legal disputes concerning the PrideFest event. In 2023, the city hosted its first PrideFest at the Public Square, attracting about 200 attendees. The event proceeded without incident, and organizers anticipated similar approval for subsequent festivals. However, in 2024, the Loogootee City Council enacted Ordinance No. 2024-04, which altered the application process for public events and rescinded the prior approval for PrideFest 2024. Despite submitting a new application, the organizers faced delays and legal challenges. In October 2025, the district court ruled in favor of the organizers, allowing the 2025 festival to proceed. The recent enactment of Ordinance No. 2025-14 has reignited legal proceedings, with the ACLU seeking to prevent its enforcement.
Implications
This ongoing legal battle underscores the tension between local governance and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community to freely assemble and express themselves. The outcome of this lawsuit may set a precedent for how similar ordinances are interpreted and enforced in other jurisdictions, particularly concerning events that celebrate LGBTQ+ identities.
Related Legal Actions
The ACLU of Indiana has been actively involved in defending LGBTQ+ rights within the state. Notably, in September 2025, the organization filed a lawsuit against Indiana State University for terminating work-study and other funding for student employees at the Pride Center of Terre Haute, alleging violations of the First Amendment.
Conclusion
The ongoing legal challenges faced by Loogootee reflect broader themes of civic initiative, community representation, and the fight for equality within public spaces. Support for local events like PrideFest speaks to the heart of community engagement and individual expression. Residents are encouraged to remain active in fostering an inclusive environment in Indianapolis and beyond, ensuring that all voices find a platform.
FAQ
- What is the ACLU of Indiana’s recent legal action against Loogootee?
- The ACLU of Indiana has filed a lawsuit against the City of Loogootee, alleging that a new ordinance unlawfully restricts the annual PrideFest event, infringing upon First Amendment rights.
- What does Ordinance No. 2025-14 entail?
- Ordinance No. 2025-14, enacted by Loogootee in December 2025, is claimed by the ACLU to mirror provisions previously deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana in October 2025. The court had issued a permanent injunction against the enforcement of the 2025 ordinance, which had imposed restrictions on public events, including PrideFest.
- What is the background of the PrideFest event in Loogootee?
- Loogootee, a small city in southwestern Indiana with a population of approximately 2,600, hosted its first PrideFest at the Public Square in 2023, attracting about 200 attendees. The event proceeded without incident, and organizers anticipated similar approval for subsequent festivals. However, in 2024, the Loogootee City Council enacted Ordinance No. 2024-04, altering the application process for public events and rescinding the prior approval for PrideFest 2024. Despite submitting a new application, the organizers faced delays and legal challenges. In October 2025, the district court ruled in favor of the organizers, allowing the 2025 festival to proceed. The recent enactment of Ordinance No. 2025-14 has reignited legal proceedings, with the ACLU seeking to prevent its enforcement.
- What are the implications of this legal battle?
- This ongoing legal battle underscores the tension between local governance and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community to freely assemble and express themselves. The outcome of this lawsuit may set a precedent for how similar ordinances are interpreted and enforced in other jurisdictions, particularly concerning events that celebrate LGBTQ+ identities.
- Has the ACLU of Indiana been involved in other legal actions related to LGBTQ+ rights?
- Yes, the ACLU of Indiana has been actively involved in defending LGBTQ+ rights within the state. Notably, in September 2025, the organization filed a lawsuit against Indiana State University for terminating work-study and other funding for student employees at the Pride Center of Terre Haute, alleging violations of the First Amendment.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Action | The ACLU of Indiana has filed a lawsuit against the City of Loogootee, alleging that a new ordinance unlawfully restricts the annual PrideFest event, infringing upon First Amendment rights. |
| Ordinance No. 2025-14 | Enacted by Loogootee in December 2025, this ordinance is claimed by the ACLU to mirror provisions previously deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana in October 2025. The court had issued a permanent injunction against the enforcement of the 2025 ordinance, which had imposed restrictions on public events, including PrideFest. |
| Background of PrideFest | Loogootee, a small city in southwestern Indiana with a population of approximately 2,600, hosted its first PrideFest at the Public Square in 2023, attracting about 200 attendees. The event proceeded without incident, and organizers anticipated similar approval for subsequent festivals. However, in 2024, the Loogootee City Council enacted Ordinance No. 2024-04, altering the application process for public events and rescinding the prior approval for PrideFest 2024. Despite submitting a new application, the organizers faced delays and legal challenges. In October 2025, the district court ruled in favor of the organizers, allowing the 2025 festival to proceed. The recent enactment of Ordinance No. 2025-14 has reignited legal proceedings, with the ACLU seeking to prevent its enforcement. |
| Implications | This ongoing legal battle underscores the tension between local governance and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community to freely assemble and express themselves. |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
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