GAY GROUP BLASTS CRYSTAL LAKE PARK DISTRICT

For Immediate Release Contact: Rick Garcia
March 3, 2006 312-560-0405

GAY GROUP BLASTS CRYSTAL LAKE PARK DISTRICT

CHICAGO - The director of Illinois statewide gay rights organization issued a blistering criticism of the Crystal Lake Park District board for rejecting the use of the park for a rowing competition of the upcoming Gay Games.

"This vote demonstrates that rank antigay bigotry is alive and well in Crystal Lake," charged Rick Garcia, public policy director of Equality Illinois. "Do the opponents despise gay people so much that they don't even want us to row boats in their parks? Those who voted against the Gay Games should be ashamed, but rank bigots seldom are."

The Gay Games is an international sporting event that draws thousands of participants in a variety of sporting activities. The 2006 Gay Games will be held in Chicago in July 2006.

"Instead of viewing this as an opportunity to showcase Crystal Lake and offer hospitality to visitors participating in wholesome activities, some board members have used this as an opportunity to promote hatefulness and discrimination," said Garcia. "The opposition is immoral and may even be illegal."

Last year the Illinois General Assembly passed a bill banning discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, employment and public accommodations.

If the legislation covers Park Districts in Illinois the gay group said it will pursue this matter legally.

Equality Illinois was founded in 1992 to secure, protect and defend equal rights of Illinois gay and lesbian residents.