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Gay Games Rowing Venue Clears One Hurdle
By Jim Buzinski March 8 update: The body that initially rejected a request by the Gay Games to have rowing at its venue reconsidered its decision Tuesday March 7 and voted 3-2 to allow the competition. Commissioner Jerry Sullivan, who missed the meeting while vacationing in Mexico, came back and cast the deciding vote. "I have the responsibility to look at each proposal before the board with the same objectivity. When something is well-organized and meets our criteria, we as a board will embrace it," Sullivan said after the meeting to the Chicago Tribune. To get final approval, the rowing event must get the OK of the Crystal Lake City Council and the Lakewood Village Board. Religious groups that oppose the event say that if it is held, they will turn out in force to spread their message that homosexuality is a sin. Original article: A suburban Chicago park district March 2 rejected a request by the Gay Games to hold rowing on Crystal Lake, citing concerns about "promoting the homosexual lifestyle." The 2-2 vote by the Crystal Lake Park District (the fifth member was on vacation) means the proposal to hold the rowing event fails because a majority has to give its approval. The town of Crystal Lake is about 50 miles northwest of Chicago in a more rural part of Illinois and about 300 rowers were expected to attend. "I do not believe the Crystal Lake Park District should be a vehicle for the promotion of an agenda," said commissioner David Phelps, one of the two no votes. But Candy Reedy, who voted yes, said, "I think this is a nice opportunity to further showcase the lake." News reports said that about 90 people attended the 1½-hour hearing, and the level of anti-gay venom spewed at the hearing was high. Crystal Lake resident Scott Spencer said that homosexuality is "contrary and detrimental" to traditional family values, the Chicago Tribune reported. Saying that view doesn't make him a bigot, he added: "Let me point out what my prejudice is toward: my wife, my children, my grandchildren and the sanctity of the home." Another resident, Joe Edward, was quoted by the Northwest Herald as saying, "Those who went to Sydney [for Gay Games 2002] engaged in behavior that is unethical and may be illegal." The paper did not say how Edwards knew this. Sunita Stone said she "didn't want to have to be explaining a lot of things to my kids." "Let's make it very clear tonight," said Tracy Baim, Gay Games Chicago co-vice chair. "This is about gay people." Loretta Cattani of nearby Union, told those opposed: "For everyone concerned with all these gay people who are converging on your community, we are already here." And Congregational Unitarian Church Minister Dan Larsen said, "Everybody has a right to row their boat." Park district director Kirk Reimer said he received 40 e-mails and letters from people that he described as "hateful," adding, "I'm just saddened by the comments that people make." Reimer added that based on some of the e-mails opposed to the event, he feared things could have gotten "ugly" if it was held. The Games will now have to scramble to find another venue. "[The lake] was ideal. It's a beautiful lake," said Nancy Harris, sports director of the Games. The Chicago River might not be wide enough and is too rough for the event and Lake Michigan is considered too choppy. Since Jan. 1, Illinois' state non-discrimination act covers sexual orientation. It is not clear if the Gay Games could file a cause of action against Crystal Lake or whether it could be argued in time for the event to still be held. Opposition to the Games in Chicago has been driven by two anti-gay groups, the American Family Assn. and the Illinois Family Institute. IFI, for example, called for the reinstatement of a federal ban on HIV-positive travelers, which allows athletes with HIV to travel to the U.S. for the Games. Also, a postcard has been widely distributed throughout the state critical of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley's support for the event. It is not clear who is sending the postcards, but the addresses and card are printed. On both sides of the card, the text reads:
Richard M. Daly March 3, 2006
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