GOP commissioners
withdraw support for Gay Games

The five Republicans on the Cook County Board of Commissioners have withdrawn their names from a routine proclamation welcoming the 2006 Gay Games to Chicago. The Illinois Family Institute is urging Democratic commissioners to do the same. "There's a big difference between tolerating and celebrating homosexuality," said the institute's Peter LaBarbera. "For governments to be using taxpayer money and big corporations spending money to sponsor this, we think the average Joe sees that as being just a little bit off." The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved the ceremonial proclamation without opposition last month as one of a group of routine measures. "I must have been out of the room" when the proclamation came up, said Tony Peraica, one of the five Republicans on the 17-commissioner board. Organizers say the Gay Games, set for July 2006, could pump $50 million to $80 million into Chicago's economy. Gay Games spokeswoman Tracy Baim said she was not surprised by the Republican commissioners' move and was "actually more surprised" when the proclamation was approved. Commissioner Mike Quigley, who sponsored the proclamation, plans to play hockey at the Gay Games and said the Republicans' move stems from "blinding bias and animosity." The city of Chicago isn't a financial sponsor but is helping line up facilities and other resources. The opening ceremony is to be held at Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, and the closing at Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs. (AP)