If Mickey’s Marching, Pastor Walks

The Rev. Paul Rodriguez and his family will not attend the Fourth of July parade because Mickey Mouse is the grand marshal.

As pastor of the First Mexican Southern Baptist Church in Burley, Rodriguez said he will support the nationwide Southern Baptist ban on the Walt Disney Co.

Southern Baptists meeting last month charged the entertainment company is supporting the gay and lesbian rights movement, Rodriguez said. The membership voted to boycott Disney and its affiliates.

“We are simply saying that Disney is moving in the wrong direction,” said the Rev. Ken McMeans, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Burley. McMeans had voted for the boycott.

The decision is making some families think twice about attending the parade.

“I will probably go to the parade, but I will try my best not to support Disney,” said Gail Albertson, a mother of three and First Baptist Church member.

But many children adore the classic cartoon character.

“TCI Cablevision offered to do it, and the kids love it. That’s why he’s coming,” parade chairman Ted Cameron said.