Condemnations of Rainbow Lounge Raid Pour In

by: Todd Hill

Mon Jun 29, 2009 at 10:07 PM CDT

The Texas Stonewall Democrats, speaking on behalf of all chapters across the state, issued a more forceful condemnation complete with a request for resignations:

The Texas Stonewall Democratic Caucus (TSDC) and local Stonewall Democrats chapters in Texas strongly condemn the police raid that was carried out in a gay bar, the Rainbow Lounge, in Forth Worth early Sunday morning, June 28.  The TSDC calls for a prompt investigation of this incident and the immediate resignation of the Chief of the Fort Worth Police Department and the Administrator of the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission (TABC).

You'll recall that Fort Worth Councilman Joel Burns was the first to demand a full investigation into the matter.  Fort Worth Mayor Pro-Tem, Kathleen Hicks, joined her colleague in forcefully demanding such an investigation as well:

I join with Councilman Joel Burns in wanting all citizens of Texas and Fort Worth to know and be assured that the laws and ordinances of our City will be applied fairly, equally and without selective enforcement or targeting. As an African American I understand the distrust and fear that grows throughout a community when the belief that there is no recourse or protection is allowed to grow and fester.

I want every resident of Fort Worth to have the confidence of knowing that when tough issues such as this arise, we will require a full accounting of actions and demand honest
and complete answers. Rest assured that neither the people of Fort Worth, nor the city government of Fort Worth, will tolerate discrimination against any of its citizens.

Equality Texas has begun a grassroots push to encourage supporters of LGBT rights to contact Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief and demand a full investigation into this matter.  I've also been placing these call to actions on Facebook and Twitter, to which many of you have taken very quick action.  I took action today and received an auto-response from City Manager Dale Fisseler stating:

Thank you for your e-mail. This investigation began earlier this morning and will address the issues you have included in your request.

I also called and sent a letter.  Won't you do your part?  

Everybody knows somebody who is part of the LGBTQ community.  We need your help in standing up for our rights and our equal protections under the law.  As we did 40 years ago we once again stand united against brutal action targeted at our community.  We stand for equal justice and protection under the law.  The voices of many are far more powerful than the voice of one.  Stand with us today.