CHICAGO, IL -- Several conservative Christian groups
are planning to target the Chicago Gay Games, protesting the games that
starts next week. The Illinois Family Institute (IFI) and the Chicago
Uptown Baptist Church are seeking a constitutional amendment to ban
same-sex marriage in Illinois and see the games as an opportunity to
organize what they call a "Love and Truth Offensive".
The
offensive will begin on Saturday with a rally featuring a number of
so-called ex-gays. The groups also say that will "present water bottles
with a Gospel message to athletes and spectators at Gay Games venues
across the city."
"We are presenting an alternative message to Gay Games attendees to anyone
with an open mind to hear it," IFI Executive Director Peter LaBarbera says
in a statement.
"Our outreach includes several excellent speakers who embody the spirit of
true Christian compassion on this issue. All of us embrace the
life-changing hope of Jesus Christ and understand that nobody has to be
gay."
The groups will also stage a demonstration in front of the Steamworks
bathhouse in Boystown. "Because we care about gay men, we will be in front
of Steamworks urging them not to engage in destructive and highly
dangerous behavior," LaBarbera said.
The
offensive will begin on Saturday with a rally featuring a number of
so-called ex-gays. The groups also say that will "present water bottles
with a Gospel message to athletes and spectators at Gay Games venues
across the city."
The Hunk
