Lambda Legal Helps Convince Board to Reverse Decision Banning Gay Rowing Competition at Crystal Lake

(Chicago, March 8, 2006) — Last night, Crystal Lake Park District Board voted to allow the Gay Games to hold its rowing competition at Crystal Lake, reversing an earlier denial of permission. Lambda Legal staff attorney, Jim Madigan, testified before the Board on behalf of the Gay Games, arguing that the Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in the use of public accommodations such as Crystal Lake.

“We are pleased to see the Board abide by the law rather than bow to prejudice,” said Madigan, who works out of Lambda Legal’s Midwest Regional Office in Chicago. “We look forward to working with the community to have a safe and enjoyable event at Crystal Lake.”

On March 2, 2006, the Crystal Lake Park District Board denied a permit for the Games to hold an event in the lake in a 2–2 vote while one member of the Board was on vacation. Without a majority voting in favor of the permit, it was not issued. Upon the return of the fifth board member, a re-vote was requested and was held on the evening of March 7. The second vote was 3–2, overriding the previous rejection.

The Gay Games VII will be held in Chicago from July 15 to July 22, 2006. The rowing regatta on Crystal Lake will be held on July 16.

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Jackie Yodashkin 212-809-8585 ext.229