Palm Desert, CA – Assemblymember Greg Wallis today denounced Palm Desert Mayor Pro Tem Joe Pradetto’s proposal to rescind the city’s recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month and remove the Pride banner from City Hall.
During Thursday’s City Council meeting, Pradetto proposed that Palm Desert stop recognizing Pride Month, including no longer displaying a Pride banner at City Hall, with two other council members supporting a review of the policy.
“This proposal is a slap in the face to LGBTQ+ residents of Palm Desert and the entire Coachella Valley,” said Wallis. “At a time when LGBTQ+ Americans face increasing attacks on their rights and dignity across the nation, our local leaders should be standing up for inclusion, not tearing down symbols of acceptance and equality.”
Wallis noted that the Coachella Valley has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and a proud history of championing equality, making Pradetto’s proposal particularly disappointing.
“Pride Month recognition doesn’t create division—it affirms that every resident deserves to be celebrated and respected. Removing these symbols sends the harmful message that some members of our community matter less than others,” Wallis continued.
Wallis called on the Palm Desert City Council to reject Pradetto’s proposal and maintain the city’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating all residents.
“I urge the Palm Desert City Council to stand on the right side of history and vote down this divisive proposal,” Wallis concluded.
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