Local Group To Protest Belton Parade

A rule change at the Belton 4th Of July Parade has one local group outraged.

Open Carry Texas will hold a protest rally outside of the parade in response to a rule banning guns from the event. The rally, organized with the help of Belton police, is expected to draw over 100 people.

According to the Belton Chamber of Commerce, the ban is being enacted because this year’s insurance policy on the event will not cover any firearm claims. Parade CEO and Chamber President Stephanie O’Banion says the rule may not be permanent, as event organizers must purchase a new insurance policy every year.

“We assess it each year,” she said. “This is this year’s; we will asses it again next year.”

O’Banion says the number one priority is to put on a safe event for the over 30,000 people expected to attend this year’s parade.

Open Carry Texas had already planned to participate in the parade and had in fact purchased a float in the parade before the rule change was announced. They raised funds to buy their own insurance policy and be allowed to participate, but the Belton Chamber’s lawyers chose not to allow it.

For more information about the rally, readers can visit their Facebook page.