Community call to action: Wilton Pride denied access to public space

Dear Community Members,

WE NEED YOUR HELP.

Wilton Pride has been denied access to public space for our 4th Annual Pride Festival by Wilton’s First Selectperson, Toni Boucher. This decision threatens a community event that brings us all together and creates space for belonging. 

We have formally requested a reevaluation from the Board of Selectpeople, but we need the voices of Wilton residents to ensure our message is heard.

THIS IS WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Please copy and paste the template below [or rewrite in your own words] and send it to boardofselectmen@wiltonct.gov and policecommission@wiltonct.gov

Thank you for your support!

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Dear BOS and Police Commission,

I, [Insert Name] of [Insert Street Address], am writing to demand the immediate approval of the permits for the 4th Annual Pride Festival.

Last year’s festival was a beautiful success, creating a vibrant sense of community and belonging for all residents to enjoy. 

It is essential that we continue this tradition, which serves as a vital collaboration between local organizations including Wilton Pride, Wilton Library, the Wilton Historical Society, and Marché.

It is deeply concerning that the permit was denied based on claims that the town only closes streets for the Memorial Day Parade and the Chamber Sidewalk Sale. 

This directly contradicts established precedents; the town consistently approves road closures for the Chamber of Commerce Street Fair and the Pumpkin Parade. 

In fact, both the street fair and the Pumpkin Parade use the exact same logistical footprint; closing Old Ridgefield Road from the Town Green to Godfrey Place; to ensure pedestrian safety.

Denying the Pride Festival the same safety measures granted to other community groups raises significant concerns about the uniform and fair administration of our town's permitting process and access to public spaces.

Permit decisions affecting access to public streets for community events are expected to be guided by transparent, objective, content-neutral standards applied consistently across applicants and to avoid distinctions that could be perceived as favoring or disfavoring particular community groups or viewpoints. 

I urge the Board of Selectpeople to treat Wilton Pride with the same consistency afforded to other local non-profits and to grant these permits immediately.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Wilton Resident

[Your Address]