'Gay Days at Disney' Draws Protest, Warning From the Sky

Jun 09, 2011 08:38 AM EDT

For those living near Disney World in Florida, there is a good chance you saw an aircraft pulling the following banner, “Warning Gay Pride Day@Disney 2Day.”

The message is from the Christian group Florida Family Association, which paid for the banner to run across the sky on Friday and Saturday.

“30,000 children along with their unsuspecting parents will be confronted with the reality of witnessing over 15,000 Gay Pride Day revelers when they enter the Magic Kingdom on June 4, 2011,” wrote FFA on its website.

“Florida Family Association wants to warn these families about this offensive event before they arrive at the Magic Kingdom on Saturday.”

The FFA paid reportedly $7,000, money donated by supporters, to contract an aircraft company to pull two seven-foot high banners during those two days over Disney World, reported Orlando’s WESH-TV. The pro-family group is upset with Disney for allowing Gay Day attendees to hold their event during regular business hours, unlike other special events.

“Disney requires special events like Grad Night and Night of Joy to be held after the Magic Kingdom’s regular operating hours,” contends FFA. “Disney does this to avoid having a large group of likeminded people in the park at the same time with regular patrons who expect a normal day at the Magic Kingdom.”

Gay Days is a six-day gathering, May 31 to June 6, in Orlando. It is an annual event that has taken place for some 20 years.

President Obama has declared that the month of June is lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) month. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve Bank of Virginia began flying a gay pride flag under the American flag in honor of LGBT pride month.