§ 86-39. Preservation of traditional roles in carnival parading organization.

(a)

The council finds that:

(1)

Carnival organizations have traditionally engaged in parades, processions, tableaux, and other activities that have, in large part, a dramatic theatrical character, involving elaborate costumed role-playing by participants who frequently imitate or portray the behavior of ancient or medieval court life;

(2)

Although such traditional carnival activities most often involve participation by both women and men, the participants traditionally engage in courtly roles defined and differentiated according to the sex of the participants, as was the case in ancient and medieval court life;

(3)

The preservation of the traditional mimicry of court life is worthy of preservation as a significant aspect of the common cultural heritage of all the people of the city;

(4)

Most women and men in the city who wish to find ways of participating in carnival organizations can do so, either as members or consorts of members in the traditional krewes that restrict membership to one or the other sex, or in one of the less traditional organizations which admit both sexes to membership; therefore, the council finds that the traditional organizations by restricting their membership to one sex do not significantly impair the ability of women or men to make business contacts, secure professional advancement, or otherwise participate in trade, commerce, the professions, or public life in general.

(b)

Nothing in this article shall prohibit any carnival krewe, parading carnival organization, or other organization organized or existing for the primary or dominant purpose of observing or participating in the carnival season from restricting its membership or any class of membership to classes based on sex.

(M.C.S., Ord. No. 19,278, § 1, 6-17-99)