The city of Bloomington, Illinois has asked an LGBTQ+ bar to remove its Pride decorations, according to Central Illinois Proud.
Last month, The Bistro, hosted its annual downtown Pridefest with at least 6,000 attendees from all over central Illinois. To add to the event, Bistro owner Jan Lancaster drew rainbow hearts on Main Streetbut she has been asked to remove the artwork.
City of Bloomington External Affairs Manager Katherine Murphy said, "It has to be put in place while the road is closed at the start of the event, but the permit also requires that the artwork be removed while the road is closed at the end of the event."
Lancaster said it was a misunderstanding with the city; however, if she doesn't remove the hearts soon, she could be denied permits to host Pride and other events in the future. She's hired a contractor to power wash them offand, according to the bar's Facebook page, there will be a "Remove the Love" party tentatively scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 25.
Prairie Pride Coalition President Dave Bentlin said he understands the city has regulations, but believes there are bigger issues facing downtown than rainbow hearts.
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