Park board to revisit Gay Games rejection

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill., March 7 (UPI) -- Amid a flap that got worldwide attention, officials will revisit their rejection of the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago holding a rowing event in Crystal Lake, Ill.

With board President Jerry Sullivan absent for a Mexican vacation, the Crystal Lake Park Board voted 2-2 last week to reject the July rowing competition on the lake 50 miles northwest of Chicago.

At Sullivan's request, the park board set another vote this week and braced for a crowd greater than the 90 people who argued for and against allowing the Gay Games competition.

District Director Kirk Reimer received about three dozen e-mails -- most critical of the first vote.

"Even if there were a gay agenda, how on Earth would this be furthered by rowing?" Reimer told the Chicago Tribune of one British e-mail he received.

The Gay Games board is glad for another chance.

"I think people are used to homophobia," Tracy Baim said. "That's why we have the Gay Games, to try to change that."

Even if the competition wins park approval, it still must win municipal approval from Crystal Lake and Lakewood, Ill.