Crystal Lake is a small city in the NW suburbs of Chicago. Their website claims the city is a "pleasant, friendly" place. Well, that is only if one is heterosexual.
Crystal Lake was approached by the organizers of the Gay Games which will be held in Chicago this summer, July 15-July 22. The city boasts a beautiful lake aptly named, Crystal Lake. The organizers wanted to hold the rowing competition in the lake and use park district facilities.
When the news that real live homosexuals might be descending upon the sleepy suburb, the wingnuts sprang into action.
Hysterical letters and E-Mails were written to editors of the
Northwest Herald. Many worried about the "homosexual agenda" would be forced on them and worried about the crowds. Would they have been concerned if it was the Rotary Club rowing team who wanted to use the lake? Others worried about public sex acts and AIDs. A
letter and flyer were distributed which said the GBLT community has a history of public "lewdness" and worry about "full frontal nudity, exhibitionism, naked swimming, men kissing on the beach..." happening in Crystal lake.
AND THE CHILDREN! WHAT DO WE TELL THE CHILDREN?
In fact postcards have been mailed throughout the state which states:
Richard M. Daley
Responsible
Homosexual
Chicago Games July 15-22
What about the children?
On March 3, the park commissioners voted on whether or not to allow the rowing event in Crystal Lake. The vote was split 2-2. The measure needed 3 votes for approval. One member was on vacation.
The meeting was filled with rancor and double-speak. Commissioners David Phelps (phelps@owc.net) and Scott Breeden (scott@breeden.com) voted to oppose the event. David Phelps was considered a moderate GOPer for the IL-8th and endorsed the now Congresswoman Melissa Bean (D). Well, I suppose he decided to take a hard right. What a loser.
Phelps, no public info whether or not he is related to Fred Phelps, voted against the measure because he thought the whole thing was part of a larger agenda and even invited the courts to be involved since IL passed the IL Human Rights Act which bans discrimination against gay and trans people.
A re-vote is scheduled for tonight, at 7:30 PM
As a straight married man who doesn't watch any sports at all (except for the occasional Cubs or Bear game) and honestly never thought that much about it, why should I care?
Because I am a Democrat, a progressive. Insidious hate creeps slowly through the mainstream. It is the little things that add up. I live in a Blue State and do not want little wingnut victories to add up to big ones diminishing everyone's rights and adding to the misery of the world.
Don't believe it? Look what has happened in
South Dakota!