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Crystal Lake, IL — Organizers of this summer's Gay Games in Chicago may not need to find a new location for the rowing events after all.  The Crystal Lake Park District Board approved a proposal to hold the rowing event.

The board voted 3-2 Tuesday night to reverse an earlier decision to refuse the Gay Games event. 

In a vote last week, the board was split two-to-two to reject the request by organizers.  The measure needed three votes for approval and the deciding board member was on vacation.

Jerry Sullivan, the vacationing board member, contacted park officials last Friday requesting a vote which lead to last night's meeting. 

Hosting the rowing event has sparked debate in the far northwest Chicago suburb and last night's meeting was highly charged with over 300 in attendance.

Commissioner David Phelps and Scott Breenden remain opposed to the Gay Game event with Commissioners Candy Reedy and Michael Zellmann in support of the motion at both meetings. 

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

The rowing event still needs the approval of the Crystal Lake City Council and nearby Lakewood Village.

The rowing event, scheduled for July 16, 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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