Shockwaves in the Capitol: Big Bold Bill Clears House Vote Amid Public Outcry

Late-night betrayal sends PrideFest into mourning as the Trask-backed legislation barrels towards the Senate

By Jax Rowe | July 2, 2025

Just after 2:00 AM, Dominion’s House of Commons delivered a gut punch to the nation: the Big Bold Bill—long suspected to be the legislative backbone of the Trask administration’s Project Garrison—passed in a fast-tracked late session.

The vote came with little warning and even less debate, pushed through under a procedural maneuver known as a “midnight clearance,” typically reserved for budget reconciliations or disaster relief packages. The move left citizens and even seasoned lawmakers stunned.

Among those blindsided was Representative Joshua Lane Mercer (R–Southport), who emerged from the chamber visibly rattled. Several of his centrist colleagues, long considered quiet allies in the fight against Project Garrison, flipped their votes after hours of closed-door meetings with administration officials.

“I sat next to some of these men and women for years,” Mercer said outside the Capitol at dawn. “I broke bread with them. Tonight, they broke trust with the people.”

Key Provisions of the Big Bold Bill Include:

• Criminalization of "unauthorized celebrations" in public spaces—language many believe specifically targets Pride events and drag performances.

• Federal funding stripped from municipalities and school districts that sponsor or permit LGBTQ+ events, flags, or educational programs.

• Mandatory federal oversight of all curricula involving gender identity or sexual orientation, with an option for states to "opt out" by pledging adherence to "traditional values."

The bill passed 212–206, with the deciding votes cast by a block of Republican moderates who had remained publicly neutral until the 11th hour. Notably, a handful of absentee Democratic members—due to travel and illness—could not vote, further compounding the loss.

PrideFest Reels

Word of the vote reached PrideFest just before sunrise. By 6:00 AM, attendees were huddled around screens, phones, and radios as the news broke across the grounds.

Organizers canceled the morning’s musical performances in favor of a community gathering at the central lawn, where a livestream of Mercer’s statement was aired. Despite the early hour, more than 4,000 people sat in near-silence as Mercer addressed the nation from the Capitol steps.

“I came here to stop a nightmare. Instead, I watched it unfold,” he said, voice heavy. “But I promise you—this isn’t over. The Senate still holds the line, and I will fight for it.”

His vow was firm, but the energy behind it was weighed down by betrayal. Many festivalgoers cried openly. Others stood with fists raised in quiet defiance.

“We’re Not Going Anywhere”

By midmorning, handmade signs began appearing across the grounds:
“Mirrorball Will Shine.”
“Not One Step Back.”
“We Were Born for This.”

A newly erected booth labeled “Mirrorball Defense HQ” opened near the South Gate, staffed by volunteers distributing legal resources and instructions for contacting local representatives. Queer legal organizations, student coalitions, and faith leaders joined forces to prepare for what comes next.

“PrideFest was supposed to end in a few days,” said June L., a festival vendor and retired educator. “Now, I think we’ve just begun.”

As the Senate prepares for its own vote in the coming days, one thing is certain: the movement born under disco lights is heading directly into the storm.