NORTH BROOKFIELD, Mass. — The cancellation of a drag show in North Brookfield has some questioning whether members of the town’s Board of Selectmen are violating people’s right to free speech. 

Last month, the North Brookfield Board of Selectmen had approved a Small Town Pride event in June, including a drag show on the town common. Last week, they voted to exclude the drag show from the permit, while keeping the rest of the event intact. 

Anthony Bovenzi is president of Northern Worcester County Pride, and was also supposed to be the emcee at the drag show.

“I was saddened and disappointed that at this day and age, people are still attacking the LGBTQIA+ community, especially the drag entertainers and the trans people in our community," Bovenzi said. "In the modern age, it should not be happening.”

When a group of North Brookfield residents learned the drag show was part of the Small Town Pride celebration, they urged selectmen to reconsider.

“They were presenting it as a gay pride event, and I had gone to the one in West Brookfield last year, so it is 100% drag queen, and they’re very lewd, very inappropriate thing to do in front of children," said Joanne Carey. "Last year, I was there as a protest standout.”

Many in opposition say their concern is about children living near the town common. 

“It’s kind of unfair," said Tina Floria. "They’re saying we’re discriminating against them, but in reality, they’re discriminating against us. Their civil rights are being violated, but pushing this on us, our civil rights are being violated.”

The ACLU of Massachusetts said that argument doesn’t hold much water legally, and they’re not taking the selectmen’s decision lightly. Senior and Managing Attorney Ruth Bourquin said she hopes to see a resolution soon.

“We’re really hopeful that it doesn’t just have to depend on legalities, that people will open their minds and their hearts to people who may express themselves differently," Bourquin said. "If you don’t want to see it, don’t want to experience this joy, don’t want your children to experience the joy and knowledge that in America, even people who are different can be accepted, then don’t go.”

As for the content of the show itself, Bovenzi said it wasn't being planned as the vulgar picture some opponents have painted. 

“The show we were planning for Small Town Pride this year was very, very kid friendly," Bovenzi said. "The drag performers were to perform Disney songs in their first set, and the second set was going to be pride anthems with no swears or vulgar lyrics to drive home a point of love and acceptance either way.”

As of Thursday, the drag show remains canceled, but the ACLU is calling on the Board of Selectmen to reconsider their decision, which they claim is unconstitutional.