Law Enforcement Asks Chester Church to Cancel Drag Events

March 30, 2023 by Jamie Ward

Law enforcement officials have officially asked the Community Church of Chesterland to cancel its planned Saturday Drag Brunch and Story Hour because of the fear of violence from protesters.

“Based on current intelligence information as well as information provided by the event organizer, there is a realistic threat that organized protests and counter-protests could result in violence,” read a prepared statement from Chester Township Police, City of Chardon Police and the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office. “It is important to note that the Story Hour event being held in Chester Township is focused on children and there will be children present at the church.”

That statement was signed by Chester Township Police Chief Craig Young. But Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand confirmed the three agencies were asking both events to be canceled.

The church pastor Jess Peacock met with law enforcement on Wednesday and agreed with officials’ recommendation to cancel the events, but indicated he needed to consult with church council.

After that meeting, Peacock spoke with event organizer Mallory McMaster, according to someone familiar with the meeting, who discussed the matter with church council, and the decision was made to continue with the events.

“We are not only surprised but disappointed by the chief’s decision to make a public statement about threats to our event without sharing any information with us about specific threats,” read a statement from the church.

As soon as both events were announced three weeks ago, there were threats.

Element 41, the restaurant on Chardon Square hosting two drag brunches April 1 to raise money for the church, has been a target.

Owner Paul Mendolera has been called a “disgusting pedophile,” a “groomer.” Some people say they will protest — and bring their concealed carry permits. Crank callers call staff derogatory names.

The Community Church of Chesterland was vandalized over the weekend by what church officials described as a Molotov Cocktail.

The Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group, announced on social media they would hold a “Rally Against Groomers” event and gather at the church on Caves Road in Chester Township for the 4 p.m. story hour.

The statement from Chester Police mentioned that event specifically.

“It is important to note that the story hour event being held in Chester Township is focused on children and there will be children present at the church,” Young wrote. “As law enforcement officials, we cannot ignore the event coordinators own assessment and concerns for potential violence occurring at an event focused on children.”

The church has remained resilient about the importance of the events.

The CCC, a United Church of Christ congregation, has supported LGBTQ+ rights for 30 years.

“It’s sad to see people exert such judgment on something that they really don’t have much information about,” said Megan Carver, the CCC’s Social Justice co-chair and another organizer. “It’s a misunderstanding about what drag is, and a misunderstanding about what our purpose is. I’m saddened, but I hope to soften hearts.”

The church said in its statement it was confident in its plan to keep the events safe.

“We have a fully developed security plan with seasoned experts,” the statement read. “We are constantly monitoring threats as they develop and are prepared to take necessary steps – up to cancelling our event – if it becomes apparent that the police are unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligation to keep the peace.

Chief Young is asking and encouraging all event attendees, protesters and counter-protesters to act peacefully and legally so as not to endanger the safety of persons or property.

“Failure to do so will result in legal consequences,” Young said.

“In the meantime we implore police officials to turn their attention away from our private events and focus on keeping the hate groups away,” the church said.