The following is an email sent by Paul Bashline on Friday, May 24, 2002
(Posted 5-26-02)

In a letter dated May 8th, Jim Couch, the Oklahoma City Manager, denied the Peace House, filing on behalf of Pride Network Inc., their right to display gay and lesbian pride festival and parade banners during the month of June.

Following the letter of the new ordinance, the Peace House along with PNI filed a permit request. The denial is written as follows:

"The application by the Peace House for donation of banners to be displayed for the 15th Annual Gay and Lesbian Parade has been denied by the City Manager. According to Ordinance No. 21,794 adopted by the City Council on August 28, 2001, you may appeal the City Manager's decision. The Traffic Commission will consider the appeal. You must file your appeal in writing with the City Clerk's Office within ten (10) days after the rejection of donation is rendered. The Traffic Commission within seven (7) business days from receipt of a written notice of appeal will set a date for the hearing of the appeal at the Commission's next available meeting date.

Signed, Catherine O'Connor
Assistant City Manager/Finance Director

This rejection letter dated May 8, 2002 was not received until 2 days ago. There can be no appeal of this rejection because the Peace House has missed their appeal window even though the letter was only received 2 days ago. Mysteriously it took over 15 days to arrive.

Paul Bashline