The city of Columbia has once again granted public money to the annual Gay Pride Parade to the tune of just under $50,000, according to The State.
Over the past six years, city funding for the event has quadrupled — from $10,000 in 2009 to today's grand total of $47,500.
This increase in funding is mirrored by a similarly explosive increase in community participation. Last year, over 30,000 attended the event. In previous years, the event attracted less than half of that number.
Some see the city's support as a misappropriation of public funds.
Mark Hendrick, Public Policy spokesman of the Baptist Convention, petitioned the Columbia City Council against the measure, saying "It's very offensive to me and my family."