BIRMINGHAM – A gay advocacy organization has filed a federal lawsuit against Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford for refusing to allow city workers to hang Gay Pride Week banners.

The suit said Langford’s actions violated the constitutional rights of Central Alabama Pride Inc., which sponsored the 20th annual Gay Pride Week in Birmingham in June.

The suit said the city has hung flags or banners in support of many diverse events in Birmingham, including City Stages music festival and the Magic City Classic football game.

–The Associated Press