Heated discussion of whether the Parade will go on or not has landed members of the Newcomers Club and St. Martinville city officials in federal court, just one week away from the scheduled date of the highly anticipated parade.

In so many words, “Cancelled” is the one that describes the Newcomers Parade in St. Martinville for this year.

Following the lawsuit filed by the Newcomers Club against the St. Martinville mayor, city council and the St. Martin Parish Sherriff, alleging the above violated the club’s first amendment right to assemble.

Monday afternoon, District Judge, Rebecca Doherty introduced a development from both the plaintiff and defendant: that certain ordinance under parade permits are unconstitutional.

“If the ordinance under which you took action was unconstitutional then, the action you took, in this case, the granting of the permit is also invalid.” St. Martinville city attorney, Allan Durand.

Shone Pierre, representing the Newcomers Club tells KLFY’s Dalfred Jones they left court today with a bittersweet feeling.

Judge Doherty commended Pierre for shedding light on the issue of city ordinances violating the U.S. Constitution but, to see a 55 year tradition come to an end, was heartbreaking.

Mayor Thomas Nelson along with the city attorney say they plan to have a revised copy of the ordinance for the next city council meeting in two weeks.

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office issued the following statement after the judge’s ruling:

“The Court was clear in its findings today that the Sheriff did not have a role in this legal matter. It is further evident that the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office is not a permitting agency and has no mandate to provide security for the City.

It is our understanding that the City of St. Martinville’s ordinance has been deemed unconstitutional, which makes all permits invalid. Accordingly, the City has withdrawn their request for assistance from the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office as regards this event.

The Sheriff hopes that the Newcomers Club, the City of St. Martinville and the citizens of St. Martinville can work together to organize and develop a safe function going forward.”