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Chicago, IL — Organizers of this summer's Gay Games in Chicago now need to find a new location for the rowing events after the Crystal Lake Park District in Chicago has given in to residents complaints.

The board was split two-to-two in last night's vote to allow the rowing event.  The mesaure needed three votes for approval and the deciding board member is on vacation.  Commissioner David Phelps and Scott Breenden opposed the Gay Game event. 

Phelps told the Chicago Tribune, "I do not believe the Crystal Lake Park District should be a vehicle for the promotion of an agenda."

The Crystal Lake Park Director, Kirk Reimer told the Northwest Herald he had received letters and anonymous calls opposing a rowing competition on Crystal Lake. Statements have included accusing the games of having a "homosexual agenda."

Crystal Lake town board Commissioner David Phelps did not side with other board members who believed the games would have been an ideal showcase for the town's landmark lake.

Gay Games organizers applied to have the competition's proposal to have its rowing competition on Crystal Lake, in Chicago on July 16, 2005.

"For some people I've heard that are opposed to this, it's about discrimination and stereotypes and opposition to the gay and lesbian community," said Kevin Boyer, co-vice-chairman of the Gay Games Chicago board.

The rowing event is one of the smaller events of 30 Gay Games sports, which are expected to draw 12,000 people to the Chicago area July 15-22.

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