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Chicago suburb
rejects Gay Games event
Commissioners in the Crystal Lake Park District vote not to allow a rowing competition that will be part of the Games.
Commissioners in the Crystal Lake Park District on Thursday voted not to allow a rowing competition that will be part of this summer's Gay Games in Chicago, saying they believe the Games are part of an agenda, the Chicago Tribune reports. With one commissioner on vacation, the board voted 2-2 on allowing the event to be held on the lake for which the city is named. The event needed three votes in favor to be approved.
According to the Tribune, commissioner David Phelps said he believes that the Gay Games are more about politics than athletics. "I do not believe the Crystal Lake Park District should be a vehicle for the promotion of an agenda," he said.
Tracy Baim, co-vice chairwoman of the Gay Games board of directors, said she was not surprised. "It's upsetting that homophobia still lives," she said.
Gay Games VII will be held July 15-22, with opening ceremonies at Soldier Field. Scheduled for July 16, the rowing event is one of 30 competitions that will be held across the Chicago area that week. (Advocate.com)
