Amnesty International Urges Chicago to End Police Brutality Toward Gays

The Chicago Sun Timesreported Friday that Amnesty International has taken an active role in trying to end the police brutality suffered by some of the city’s LGBT citizens.

According to civil rights activists, the Chicago Police Departmenthas a contract in place that prevents any investigation by or involvement from the Independent Police Review Authority. The activists suggested that this contract offers too much protection for the city’s crooked cops.

Amnesty International’s involvement comes at a crucial time for the Windy City, which currently has an Olympic bid for the 2016 games. Ariel Herrera of Amnesty International’s USA human rights program told the Sun Times, “At a time when Chicago is competing to host the 2016 Olympics, Amnesty International believes the city must meet its obligation to respect international human rights protections.”

Herrera referenced the case of Alexander Ruppert, who in June 2006 sustained a broken nose and 16 stitches to his left eye after allegedly being kicked, punched, and verbally abused by police officers.

Along with pressuring Chicago mayor Richard Daley to find a solution, Amnesty International may recommend that the city’s Olympic bid be denied, according to the Sun Times. (The Advocate)

Click here to follow The Advocate on Twitter. Page 1 of 1

READ COMMENTS (4) MORE \ EMAIL PRINT

RECOMMEND

Reader Comments

Back to top
Name: Roger Burr
Date posted: 6/22/2008 5:02:00 PM
Hometown: Marble Hill, MO

Comment:
I'm shocked and saddened that any city; much less one the size of Chicago with such a large and 'out' gay population, would still be suffering from such homophobia. I don't live there and can't, therefore, comment as to why this might be happening, but it sets a dangerous precedent for other major urban areas with similar populations. This abuse must be identified, investigated and punished without delay. Only when we stand up for our rights and DEMAND equal protection, will the homophobes learn they can't attack us with impunity.
Back to top
Name: Bobbyjones
Date posted: 6/21/2008 11:33:00 PM
Hometown: Los Angeles

Comment:
This is similar to when the police beat up the girl at Reagan National Airport in DC. Torture is totally legal in America. The only thing is, you must be beaten out by a cop, have them file false criminal charges against you, and let the justice system cover up for their misconduct and assault. It's a bigger problem than in Chicago. It's a pandemic that is nationwide. There needs to be a federal overhaul of police brutality immediately.
Back to top
Name: whyuask
Date posted: 6/20/2008 6:36:00 PM
Hometown: usa

Comment:
What an ignorant blanketed statement.
Back to top
Name: Chris Sullivan
Date posted: 6/20/2008 12:33:00 PM
Hometown: Chicago, IL

Comment:
Living in Chicago and having experienced first hand the anti-gay bias of "Chicago's Finest" - I'm glad to hear that someone is stepping up the pressure on the cops who get far too carried away and comlacent with their position - essentially acting as if they are above the law.

PREVIOUS 1 NEXT

More Online Only

Commentary Progress in the Midwest
A city native and strong supporter of Kalamazoo's effort to keep an anti-discrimination law reflects on a hard-won campaign.

Commentary What Marriage in Maine Meant for Me

Dana Hernandez is a straight white married mother of two young children. But in campaigning for No on 1 and reporting Election Night outcomes for Advocate.com, defeat hit her like a ton of bricks.

Marriage Equality Terri White Stages Her Leather Encore

Last year, acclaimed stage performer Terri White was homeless and living in a public park. On Sunday, she and her partner held a leather-themed commitment ceremony onstage following her triumphant Broadway turn in Finian’s Rainbow.

Music Ghost Story

Out singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile discusses working with her childhood mentor, coming out publicly, and joining next year's Lilith Fair.

News View From Washington: GOP Upheaval

Now that the only pro-marriage equality candidate in New York's 23rd Congressional district, Republican Dede Scozzafava, has dropped out of the race, Tuesday's election holds any number of political lessons for both the GOP and the LGBT community.

Books Hot Sheet: Ditto Knocking 'Em Dead

This week might not bring anything to the screen other than a Boondock Saints sequel, but there are plenty of reasons to sit at home on the couch or head to your local concert venue.

News Features Sailor Speaks Out
Sailor Joseph Rocha endured years of hazing until he spoke out — then he was discharged for revealing his homosexuality. Nonetheless, the 23-year-old is itching to suit back up.

Music Rainbow High

Busy Broadway heartthrob, gay rights activist, and former Advocate coverboy Cheyenne Jackson chats about his Finian’s Rainbow revival, his politically charged cabaret CD, and laying around in his underpants (pic on page five).

Marriage Equality For Maine, The Time is Now
Money is on their side and the polls look optimistic, but volunteers fighting to preserve marriage equality in Maine are prepared for a fight to the finish.

Television Another Tough Broad

After being outed by a Nazi and locking lips with a hook-up three times in one episode, Christine Woods's tough-talking FBI agent Janis Hawk on ABC's FlashForward might just be prime time's best gay offering — who isn't in Glee club, that is.

Books In Sickness and in Health

Mary Cappello’s memoir Called Back takes readers on a white-knuckle journey through the experience of cancer treatment in America — especially disorienting to navigate as a woman and a lesbian.

Books An American Crime

Best-selling novelist Patricia Cornwell made headlines last week when she filed suit against a New York investment firm for losing $40 million of her money. But she'd much rather talk about her new book, hate-crimes legislation, and Angelina Jolie.

Comedy Gilded Lily

After conquering Broadway, movies, and television, out funny lady Lily Tomlin prepares for the final frontier — Las Vegas.

Entertainment News Ricky Martin, No Shirt and a Baby
Ricky Martin knows how to get the camera's attention. Take a look at the many pictures of Ricky uploaded to his Twitter account in the past three months, always shirtless, frequently carrying one (or both) of his babies.

Television Fresh Blood
With True Blood a bona-fide cultural phenomenon, producer Alan Ball offers tantalizing hints about what to expect on season 3.