Christian values and LGBT rights on parade (19 photos)

Conflicting views on social issues and politics marched peacefully together at the Independence Day parade in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on Monday.

Among the floats in Monday’s parade were the Michigan Sault's brand new LGBT and Ally group STILL (Standing Together In Lasting Love) as well as the parade’s first appearance by the Christian-based pro-life group, Chippewa County Right to Life (CCRTL).

STILL’s Amanda Bradley said the group came together partly because of the recent Orlando shootings and they hope to be the first permanent LGBT group in Sault, Michigan as well as maybe someday create a PRIDE festival in the city.

Before Monday’s parade the group was expecting to experience a bit of negativity from some of the parade goers but afterwards they were happily surprised at how well they were received.

“The parade was really fantastic. We expected there might be some negative feedback but people were cheering and clapping for us. I heard one little girl asking her mother what our sign meant so there was a lot of curiosity as well,” said Joni Randall of STILL.

Chippewa County Right to Life President Phil Becker said that his group's goal was “to advance laws that protect the lives of unborn babies and to sensitize the culture to the fact that in the 43 years since abortion on demand became law in the United States there has been over 56 million babies aborted, or, murdered in our opinion.“

As a non-profit group the Becker said the group could not advocate for any particular political candidate however he did say that the reason why the group felt it should march this year was because it was an election year.

“It’s especially important (that we are in the parade) this year because there is a presidential election where the makeup of the Supreme Court is at stake (and) we’re just saying, vote pro-life," said Becker.

Local Democrat and Republican politicians were asked to speak about their take on CCRTL and STILL.

Republican State Representative Lee Chatfield, who had a float in the parade, talked about his “bible-shaped world-view” and his focus on “protecting religious freedom”.

“I think its important we protect religious freedom and liberty and I think many of those principals are what our country is founded on (however) make no mistake, I believe that equal rights belong to every single person,” said Chatfield.

Chatfield said that although his views may conflict with STILL they’re still able to march in parade together.

“We’re standing here upholding our views and they’re upholding theirs but we’re all doing it peacefully. We believe in the freedom of speech and equal protection of the rights of everyone,” he said.

Democrat politician Phil Bellfy, who said he may be running against Lee Chatfield in the upcoming House of Representatives primaries, said Chatfield actually has an anti-LGBT stance and that the Republican party is at least partially to blame for the Orlando shootings.

“Lee Chatfield has sent out things (stating) that his number one issue is bathrooms (and) whether or not you’re supposed to use a particular bathroom (based on gender). They didn’t print it in the papers here because it’s a little controversial but when they were talking about the guy in Orlando who killed all those people they were saying he was self-radicalized and I said that, no, he was actually paying attention to the Republican Party. Those were the people responsible for it, I’m sorry to say it but if they go around maligning people based on religion, race, or sexual preferences that does nothing but generate hate for people," said Bellfy.

Also marching in Monday’s parade were other church groups, service clubs, and emergency services organizations.