Birdwatchers vs. gay cruisers in Chicago

There is Larry Craig-type activity outside of the Minneapolis airport. Where I run most days, in Skokie's Harms Woods, there used to be a public washroom known for gay liasons. Of course I had to stop using it. The washroom was torn down last year, ending the problem.

In Chicago there are similar spots, such as Magic Hedge, a mini-forest near Montrose Harbor.

From the Chicago "free registration required" Tribune:

"Historically, these charges have been used as discrimination against homosexuals," said Jon Erickson, a Chicago lawyer who has defended cruising suspects. "I've never seen a straight couple charged with public indecency in Branch 29 court."

Ald. Tom Tunney (44th), the city's first openly gay alderman, said police are wasting time by trying to combat an activity "that has been going on a hundred years."

Several of his constituents in the heavily gay ward have complained about entrapment during police stings, he said. He called those people "victims."

Police "are playing a game," said Tunney, whose ward includes the Town Hall police district. "Is this really a priority when we've got violent crime on the street?"

Hey Tunney, those constituents, whether they are gay or not, are breaking the law. People should not have to encounter couples involved in sex acts when walking around in a public area. What if children see this going on? And Ald. Tunney, if you don't like the law, use your position on the city council to propose repealing it. Show some, well, you know....

As for the lawyer, Mr. Erickson, well counselor, you don't often see straight couples engaged in such activity outdoors or in public bathrooms. And I'm aware of an entire site, which appeals to gay males, devoted to such encounters. All I'm going to say is that it has "Cruising" in its name, it's very not-safe-for-work.

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