CATHEDRAL CITY — A local man has started a petition to stop a proposed Palm Springs Pride Caravan of cars, which he says is an ill-conceived idea.

Palm Springs Pride should not be allowed a parade of cars with thousands of spectators this year, Keith Coleman writes on his petition, which he started at Change.org. This is “pure lunacy” and a poor reflection on the gay community. Looking forward to its return in 2021, he writes,

“It sends the wrong message during the pandemic,” Colemen told Uken Report. “Why should the LGBT community be exempt from a ban on public gatherings? We don’t need another Sturgis in Palm Springs. Whether it be a parade of people or a parade of cars, it will still attract people by the thousands. I say, let’s skip one year so that the 2021 Pride Parade should be bigger and better than ever!”

The annual 10-day Sturgis Bike Rally last month attracted more than 400,000 to South Dakota. A Minnesota man in his 60s has died of COVID-19. His case was traced to the event last month where many declined to wear masks. The case is among at least 260 cases in 11 states tied directly to the event, according to a survey of health departments by The Washington Post.

The petition urges signers to “Say NO to Palm Springs Pride Parade of Cars!” As of Thursday evening, 62 people had signed it.

Greater Palm Springs Pride President and CEO Ron deHarte told Uken Report that he does not know Coleman but is concerned he may not have accurate information.

“It is not a parade,” deHarte said. “It is a caravan, just like a political caravan.”

Details for the Nov. 6-8, 2020 event are still being worked out, deHarte said.

But some things are certain, he said.

“There will be no closed streets, no big parties, and no march,” deHarte said.

The Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade has typically attracted thousands to downtown Palm Springs.  But in the age of COVID-19, organizers are adapting.

The State Health Officer has generally prohibited gatherings of all kinds statewide, with limited exceptions for worship services, cultural ceremonies like weddings and funerals, and protest activities.

If interested, you may sign the petition here.