For generations, Franklin has claimed to value freedom, independence, and community pride. Yet now, a small but loud faction is demanding that an entire city event be canceled because it does not align with their personal religious beliefs.

Let’s be clear: Franklin does not belong to one church, one ideology, or one worldview.

The Witch Walk is not a threat. The real threat is the idea that any group gets to decide which celebrations are acceptable based on their theology.

What This Is Really About
This is not about safety.
This is not about economics.
This is about control.

When people call for banning a seasonal, voluntary, family-friendly event because it makes them uncomfortable, they are not defending community harmony — they are demanding cultural dominance.

Franklin is stronger than that.

Freedom Means Freedom for Everyone
Religious liberty is sacred — but it does not include the right to silence others.

No one is forced to attend the Witch Walk. No one is required to participate. But in a free community, adults and families are allowed to gather, dress up, celebrate folklore, and support local businesses without being accused of moral decay.

If a church wants to host a revival, it should.
If families want a harvest festival, they should have it.
And if downtown businesses want to host a Witch Walk, they absolutely can.

Freedom does not become censorship just because someone is offended.

Economic Reality Matters
Downtown businesses are not abstract moral symbols. They are families paying mortgages. They are employees paying rent. They are shop owners trying to survive in a difficult economy.

Seasonal events like the Witch Walk generate traffic, sales, and visibility. Cancelling it to appease ideological objections sends a chilling message to entrepreneurs: your livelihood is secondary to someone else’s religious discomfort.

That is not how thriving towns operate.

Franklin Is Not Fragile
The argument that a costume walk “threatens” faith assumes faith is so fragile it cannot coexist with pumpkins, cloaks, and creativity.

If beliefs are strong, they do not need the City Council to shield them from symbolism.

Franklin can handle diversity.
Franklin can handle differences.
Franklin can handle a Witch Walk.

The Slippery Slope
If we cancel this event because it offends one group’s beliefs, what’s next?

Will we cancel Pride events?
Will we cancel cultural festivals?
Will we cancel art exhibits that challenge someone’s doctrine?

A town that starts banning events based on theology does not become more unified — it becomes smaller, narrower, and more divided.

Our Position
We refuse to let Franklin become a place where the loudest objections erase everyone else’s joy.

We stand for:

Local businesses
Freedom of expression
Pluralism
A downtown that belongs to all residents, not just the most offended ones
The Witch Walk should continue — proudly, visibly, and unapologetically.

If you believe Franklin is big enough for more than one worldview, sign this petition.