At least two organizations have lambasted the five Cook County commissioners who recently removed their names from a resolution endorsing the 2006 Gay Games that will take place in Chicago.
Equality Illinois issued a statement that labeled the commissioners as being ‘out of touch’ with their communities and as pawns of biased individuals. Rick Garcia, political director of the group, said that “[w]ith their clearly anti-gay action, these five commissioners are taking their marching orders from a small special interest group of bigots and clearly do not reflect the attitudes of their constituents. They should be ashamed.”
Garcia also noted that the officials are turning a blind eye to the economic windfall the event will bring to the city.
In addition, the Greater Chicago/Upper Midwest Region branch of the Anti-Defamation League sent a letter to each of the commissioners who withdrew their names. In the letter, the organization declared that their decision was a development that the league found ‘extremely disappointing.’ The group also stated that “[t]he proclamation from which you have withdrawn your name celebrates the city’s diversity and your decision to disassociate yourself from this event troubles us.”
The officials who have removed their names are Peter Silvestri, 9th District; Gregg Goslin, 14th District; Carl Hansen, 15th District; Tony Peraica, 16th District; and Elizabeth Ann Doody Gorman, 17th District. All are Republican. Peraica recently announced his bid for run for Cook County board president.
The remaining 12 commissioners—including Board President John Stroger, 4th District; Forrest Claypool, 12th District; and sponsor Mike Quigley, 10th District—have left their names on the measure.