Chicago politicians divided on Gay Games

AP ^ | 7/21/5

[SmithL]

CHICAGO - The five Republicans on the county board withdrew 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 Peter LaBarbera of the group. "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 commissioners' move and was "actually more surprised" when the proclamation was approved.

Commissioner Mike Quigley, who sponsored the proclamation, plans to play hockey in the games and said the Republicans' move stemmed 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.

[stocksthatgoup]

shouldn't this be held in Philly? Or at least San Francisco.

[Spok]

Dare I ask? What exactly are 'Gay Games'?

[scott7278]

"There's a big difference between tolerating and celebrating homosexuality," said Peter LaBarbera of the group.

FINALLY!

[Buffalo Bob]

Same-Sex Attraction Disorder (SAD) is nothing to celebrate. As with any disorder, it requires treatment and support to overcome.

So far as tolerating it, it may help to remember that Jesus came into the world to forgive sin, not to tolerate it.

[freebilly]

What will the events be? 100 meter Circle Jerk...? 2 Man Bobbing Heads...?

[KC_Conspirator]

Is there a "Glory Hole Marathon" as part of these games?

[pointsal]

What a dilemma....

count votes or donations

Please help these boys with an instructive email!

[travlnmn41]

>>Dare I ask? What exactly are 'Gay Games'?<<
Wait 'til you see the Roman Greco wrestling event.

[Paloma_55]

"There's a big difference between tolerating and celebrating homosexuality," said Peter LaBarbera of the group.

FINALLY!

A public official says something that is COMMON SENSE and he does it in public.... WOW!

[One Proud Dad]

Hershey Highway Sprints...Gerbel Races...Butt Monkey Marathon...

[scott7278]

Isn't it sad that we have to get excited about someone speaking the truth?

[Puppage]

GAY, REINDEER GAMES PERHAPS?

[Pyro7480]

Organizers say the Gay Games, set for July 2006, could pump $50 million to $80 million into Chicago's economy.

How much are they going to have to spend afterwards, not just in Chicago, but across the country, because of STD's that are caused by the behavior that goes on "after hours?"

[Puppage]

Dump Truck?

[lakeman]

pole vaulting??

[Rodney King]

Commissioner Mike Quigley, who sponsored the proclamation, plans to play hockey in the games

I'll bet he'll be spending a lot of time with his stick in the crease.

[cpanter]

The High Hump?
100 meter spritz?
Pummel hose?

[blaquebyrd]

Male gymnastics, high diving and figure skating have always seemed a little too gay.

[T.Smith]

I'll have to disagree with you about the men's gymnastics. Try doing an Iron Cross sometime and see how gay it makes you feel. All you will probably be feeling is an extreme pain in your shoulders and the joint attempts to separate. Men's gymnastics requires enormous strength and athleticism.