A Florida LGBT-rights activist's request to erect a gay pride-themed Festivus pole in the Illinois statehouse has been approved, according to reports.
The Capitol Fax blog reported Dec. 7 that the secreatry of state's office received an email from Boca Raton, Florida-based activist Chaz Stevens, executive director of the Humanity Fund, which addresses issues of separation between church and state, particularly as they relate to the LGBT community, asking about the logistics of installing the pole.
"I am seeking information regarding installation of our 2015 Gay Pride Festivus Pole inside the Illinois State Capitol rotunda," Stevens said. "We'd like the pole's erection to near the Baby Jesus … as you never know, the little one might want to dance the night away!
"The 2015 Gay Pride Festivus Pole is approximately 6'6" tall, painted with purple-glitter, covered in the rainbow colors of diversity, and topped with an 8" disco ball.
"There are no moving parts, no power requirements, but plenty of opportunities to air one's grievances."
Festivus, created for the '90s situation comedy Seinfeld, was a homemade holiday celebrated by the family of Jason Alexander's character, George Costanza. The Humanity Fund is likewise a play on "the Human Fund," a charity George created in order to fake charitable donations he made in lieu of gifts.
Stevens, who is also a political blogger, first erected a Festivus pole made of 16 Pabst Blue Ribbon beer cans in the Florida Statehouse in 2013. In a promotional video, he said he was looking to expand that effort to other capitals in 2015; he has already attempted to erect a pole in the Arkansas Statehouse. This is the first year the poles would be themed to gay pride. The pole will be installed Dec. 21.
Capitol Fax's article is at bit.ly/1Qmy4Tp. Stevens' video is at www.youtube.com/watch.