City reached good compromise over gay pride march

The Costa Mesa City Council and Orange County Dyke March

organizers reached a wise compromise Monday. The lesbian pride march

group will pay city fees but will walk its preferred path.

City officials originally suggested the participants march only in

residential areas and on sidewalks, but, in the end, organizers

gained their desired route -- one that will provide them more

visibility.

The importance of that visibility should not be misunderstood.

Marching in an unseen corner of the city won’t serve the group’s

intention: to speak up and be proud of who they are. Costa Mesa

officials, residents and business owners should be proud organizers

chose this particular city for its first rally in Orange County.

Valid concerns were raised before the compromise, including the

requested waiver of city fees. But answers to these concerns did not

prevent council members from supporting it.

Because the route will require that some city streets be closed

for a short durations on Aug. 17, a Saturday, Councilman Gary Monahan

expressed concerns that businesses could suffer. But because the

closures will be minimal, and no one showed up to echo that concern,

we doubt there will be problems. Also, the march should bring great

exposure to each of the businesses in the area.

Some residents also suggested that Costa Mesa simply doesn’t need

a gay march at all. But those individuals need to remember that this

country bases itself on freedom, and any group has the right to

assemble.

We’re just glad the City Council and organizers struck a deal that

works for both parties. We look forward to covering the Aug. 17 march

and hope that all the residents fully -- and proudly -- support it.