Madison – Representative Barbara Dittrich (R – Oconomowoc) issued the following statement regarding Watertown’s Pride in the Park and the Hate Group protest that occurred.
“On Saturday, July 29th, a concerned parent group and a concerned LGBTQ group protested the Pride in the Park event in Watertown. As I stated at that time, constituents in surrounding communities as well as friends I have who live in the city find this an unacceptable event for children or a public park. If individuals want to hold such an event, it would be best to have a child-free gathering indoors at the many wonderful local venues available.
“At the time of my original statement, I was unaware that there were masked members of a known hate group that were also protesting and intimidating people with vile language. I find that loathsome, disgusting, and condemned it the minute I learned of it. One can both find adult performances unsuitable for children at the same time they find hate groups to be vile. I applaud Watertown’s law enforcement for keeping everyone safe.
“I hope the community can heal from this entire incident that was upsetting to many people of a variety of beliefs.”
