As many BOR readers may have noticed, I was out of state for 3 weeks last month working in Kalamazoo, Michigan on a ballot initiative where voters were asked to asked to affirm a prior city commission non-discrimination ordinance which would have expanded basic job, housing, and public accommodation protections to citizens based on sexual orientation and gender identity. I returned home from that successful effort last weekend to further good news in that the Fort Worth City Council voted 6-3 on a measure to expand a similar set of city protections to include gender identity.
Fort Worth Star Telegram: The vote dealt only with one facet of the proposals: expanding the city's anti-discrimination ordinance to include transgender people. The ordinance already prevented discrimination based on race, sex, religion or sexual orientation.
A lot of the debate, though, centered on broader proposals, some of which the council has already tacitly approved. City staffers will be trained on dealing with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, and the Police Department has appointed a liaison to the community.
Other recommendations will require further study, including offering domestic-partner benefits and expanding the city health insurance plan to cover gender reassignment procedures, including sex changes.
The vote itself included organizing by both the gay community and counter-protestors. The view below from the Dallas Voice highlights the nature of the debate outside of the council. The most interesting parts are closer to the end when the pastor of a 80 member congregation gets interviewed about his more interesting thoughts on "victims, sissies and sodomites" before getting questioned about whether his congregation meets in a double-wide trailer.
Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief, after way too much delay, finally has broken his silence and released, by means of Councilman Joel Burns, the following statement calling for the U.S. Attorney's office in the North Texas region to review the investigations into the Rainbow Lounge raid once completed:
We all join in wishing Mr. Gibson a speedy and full recovery.
Currently, two investigations are underway to review the circumstances and events that took place at the Rainbow Lounge early Sunday morning. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) is conducting an investigation and the Fort Worth Police Department's Internal Affairs Division is conducting its own investigation.
I join Police Chief Jeff Halstead in encouraging any eye-witnesses to the events under review to come forward and share their observations.
Members of the City Council and I have confidence that Chief Halstead is leading a thorough and professional investigation. Once the Fort Worth Police Department's examination is complete, I have asked the acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, James T. Jacks, to independently review the findings of the Fort Worth Police Department's investigation to ensure the department has thoroughly and impartially carried out its obligation to all the citizens of Fort Worth. I encourage the TABC to follow the same course.
Fort Worth has a history of inclusiveness, and the Fort Worth Police Department has a history of responsible and professional service to our citizens. The police department's internal investigation and the outside review is meant to ensure all citizens are professionally and responsibly represented by our police department. I am most appreciative to the U.S. Attorney's Office for assisting us in this effort.
I want to know why it took Moncrief six days to break his silence. I want to know why it took him as many days to "wish" Chad Gibson a "speedy recovery." That is entirely too long for a sitting mayor whose city is ground zero in a huge, national conversation regarding LGBT equality and human rights. Disappointed doesn't even begin to describe my emotion at this time.
The ongoing blame game resulting from the Rainbow Lounge raid took another turn today as it would appear that Fort Worth Police Chief, Jeff Halstead, appears ready to lay all the blame at the feet of the Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission.
But Halstead on Thursday suspended joint operations between the two agencies "until we gain a better understanding of the events that occurred at the Rainbow Lounge," according to a news release from Sgt. Pedro Criado, police spokesman.
We are starting to see some movement but I don't think it is going to be the movement we in the LGBT community will want or be satisfied with. Halstead is saying all the right things at the moment about "diversity training," and establishing "clear guidelines" for future joint operations, but there is still the refusal on his part to take any responsibility for a raid that happened in his departments jurisdiction. Plus, continuing to insist on perpetrating these stereotypes such as "patrons grabbed our crotch" so that is why we acted the way we did is counterproductive and harmful. The evil gays prayed on our crotches so the excessive force the officers used was really an exercise in "restraint." Pathetic and disgusting on the part of a chief of police.
I am really upset that Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief continues to remain silent, as do a few other city councilmembers, on this whole terrible incident. Their silence speaks volumes. No amount of diversity training will be enough to break there apparent dislike of the LGBT community. It also tells me that when this investigation is over we're likely to see little or no change, and probably the same "grabbed my crotch so we took action" outcome is to be expected.
Going a bit farther though I will say an extraordinary amount of responsibility now rests on the LGBT community too. For meaningful change to be enacted we must continue to stand up and hold our elected officials accountable. That doesn't mean stand up and act a fool. That doesn't mean get radical with it as that will only serve to be counter-productive. Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi enacted the change they wished to see by peaceful demonstrations and accountability of elected officials. We can do the same thing and achieve many of our goals toward equality and protection under the law.
State Senator Wendy Davis and State Representative Lon Burnam just issued a joint statement regarding their efforts to investigate the Fort Worth Rainbow Lounge raid:
We want to provide you with an update of our response to concerns raised about the actions taken by City of Fort Worth Police officers and Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission agents on the early morning of June 28, 2009 at the Rainbow Lounge, which is located in the Fort Worth portion of the districts that we represent. We are deeply concerned about eye witness accounts of the events that occurred that morning and intend to activate all possible investigatory methods to learn the truth about those events.
As part of learning as much information as possible about the incident at issue, we requested a meeting with Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission. As a consequence of that request, today we met with TABC representatives Joel Moreno, Chief of Field Operations, and Carolyn Beck, Public Information Officer. In that meeting, we made a very detailed request for information regarding the factual events that occurred at the Rainbow Lounge on both June 25, 2009, when TABC agents first conducted investigation activity at that location, and on June 28, 2009, when TABC agents returned to that location. Additionally, we requested detailed information with regard to the TABC agents' compliance or non-compliance with procedures and policies of TABC as those are expressed in the TABC Enforcement Division Policy, Procedures & Forms manual.
It is our hope that through a thorough investigation and analysis of the events that occurred at the Rainbow Lounge, particularly in the early morning hours of June 28, our community and those outside our community who have raised concerns, will be able to get the answers they need to their valid questions. Most importantly, Chad Gibson and his family, for whom we are deeply concerned, deserve answers.
To that end, we intend to make a written request to TABC for answers to the questions raised in the meeting that we held today. Tomorrow, we will issue a joint letter detailing that request.
Additionally, in order to assure that we and the community at large receive the answers deserved regarding the events of that morning, it is our hope that an objective, outside investigation be made which would examine internal investigation reports of both the Fort Worth Police Department and the TABC, as well as eye witness accounts. Through such an independent review, truth will be best assured. Our community deserves to know whether unacceptable actions were taken at the Rainbow Lounge, and, to the extent they did, that the persons responsible for those actions will be held accountable.
I want to publicly thank Senator Wendy Davis and State Representative Lon Burnam for being on top of this incident and answering not only the call of their constituents to get answers to important questions, but the state and nation in whole. Coupled with Councilmember's Joel Burns,Sal Espino, and Kathleen Hicks, elected officials that care have been at the forefront of getting answers to this incident versus remaining silent like Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief.
Fort Worth Police Chief, Jeff Halstead, has begun the blame game by punting responsibility for the Rainbow Lounge raid this past weekend to the Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission:
"They were not my employees," Halstead said during a meeting at an east Fort Worth church.
Oh yes, when all else fails and the pressure is on simply blame someone else, right? No need to take responsibility for the actions of a few officers under your supervision raiding an LGBT bar within your police departments jurisdiction, right? The fact is that someone is going to have to own up to this very big mistake. Pointing fingers and deflecting responsibility doesn't bring forward necessary answers.
As of yesterday, Chad Gibson, the young man injured during the reckless Rainbow Lounge raid on the eve of the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Inn riots, is improving. But questions are beginning to arise as reports of Gibson drinking water versus alcohol when he was roughed up begin to surface. That's why a complete and thorough investigation into this matter, as first called for by Councilman Joel Burns, and echoed by fellow members Hicks and Espino, must be pursued.
What is disappointing is that Fort Worth Councilmembers Burdette, Moss, Zimmerman, Jordan, and Scarth remain silent. Why? Maybe you should call and ask them. I see no harm in joining with colleagues in calling for a complete and thorough investigation into this appalling incident. This raid is a black eye on all of Tarrant County, but certainly Fort Worth, and the Fort Worth Police Department. That's unfair to the vast majority of the police force that is in good standing with the community, does great service in protecting Fort Worth residents from crime, and are otherwise tolerant of all individuals regardless of sex, race, religion, and certainly sexual orientation. Those councilmembers who remain silent not only owe it to their constituents to demand a thorough investigation, they also owe it to the Fort Worth Police Department.
A Candlelight Vigil for Gibson will be held tonight at 8PM at the Rainbow Lounge, 651 Jennings Street in Fort Worth. Even if you are not able to attend, but wish to show your solidarity and support with Gibson, and the push for equal rights and protections for the LGBT community under the law, light a candle at your home. Then call your friends and family across Texas, or the United States, and have them do the same thing. It is in larger numbers that our voices for equality ring loud, and hopefully are heard.
Update:I received a copy of a joint statement by Councilman Sal Espino and FWISD Trustee Dr. Carlos Vasquez that was issued on June 29th. Thanks to Councilman Espino for forwarding a copy of this statement to me.
"We have confidence in the professionalism of our Police, nevertheless, I must insist upon a full investigation. Fort Worth residents must be confident that we remain an open and inclusive City and that all questions about this unfortunate incident will be answered," he [Espino] said.
Trustee Vasquez expressed his hope that an investigation will uncover the facts to the satisfaction of the public. "We must have answers and will not accept any form of discrimination against the GLBT community. I know that our Fort Worth Police Department and City leaders understand that gay people are taxpayers and deserve the full protection of the police department," said Vasquez. "Now we must await a full disclosure of the facts," he said.
Condemnations surrounding the Fort Worth police and Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission raid of a newly opened gay night club on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn riots continue to pour in--- as does a growing chorous of people demanding a full investigation. The Dallas Voice has been capturing eyewitness reports which appear to contradict FWPD statements.
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.
By Faith Chatham - March 2, 2008 Crossposted from Texas Campaign 2008 Tarrant County was Clinton Country Saturday when Senator Hillary Clinton arrived at the Fort Worth Stockyard. The crowd has been estimated between 10,000 to 14,000.
Young, old, healthy, frail, all races stood in line for hours to be screened and admitted to the rally area on Exchange Avenue near the Stockyard's Hotel. Secret Service and the Fort Worth Police Department controlled access. Swat team snipers were positioned on all the roof tops. Attendees, including the handicapped, entered behind Billy Bob's, through the cattle walks and allies before they were screened to enter the rally grounds. Organizers grossly underestimated the size of the crowd. Most attendees never got close enough to see Senator Clinton, yet the enthusiasm was not dampened by the long wait.
Accompanied by Henry Ciscernos and the Mayor of Los Angeles, with former Speaker Jim Wright in attendence, Senator Clinton charmed the crowd with her warmth, straight talking and deep comprehension of what truly challenges us. She speaks straight to the people. Her stump speech is not littered with slogans or platitudes. She doesn't place herself on some loftier plane than the people. She has poise and confidence which comes from years of hard work and preparation and service.
Photo by Lydia Foster - used by permission. Copyright 2008
Polls closed in Forth Worth at 7 pm but results in this race will likely take a while to come in as they report to Tarrent County and not the Texas Secretary of State.
7:30 PM - Points of Interest: Joes Burns is an endorsed candidate of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund though both candidates are Democrats.
8:00 PM - Joel Burns leads the Early Vote with 56%.
8:20 PM - Muse emails in the latest update and says Burns continues to lead 55%-45% after the first 8 precincts reported in but I don't have the number online to update the total votes as of yet.
The Trinity River Vision is a project to build a lake just north of downtown Fort Worth with over $400 million in tax payer dollars. This is Rep. Kay Granger's project.
The project has some laudible goals: economic development for Fort Worth. Some fear that it will drain taxpayer dollars from other worth while projects and infrastucture for the second fastest growing big city in America. Others, including conservative Republicans like Clyde Picht, oppose it on the grounds that it is just a waste of tax payer dollars. Others like the project but fear it will benefit only Granger's posse: Granger's son has been installed as the Director on the project; Granger's political consultant and supporters recently recieved $1.7, million in no bid contracts for "public relations services", the developments seem to be only for wealthy folks. To be fair, Granger's son, a former prosecutor, seems like an ethical person but the fact he was selected despite having no experience in the administration of public works projects and with no hiring process raised eyebrows about how the project is being handled in general. This project will also have enviormental impacts, but, if done right, could be a positive for the enviorment.
Oh, and the Democrats took control of Congress and pledged to put an end to pork barrel spending. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has voiced problems with how the Trinity River Vision project came to be funded by Congress (apparently TRV project bypassed some subcommittee that it should have gone through that Johnson happens to be Chairing in the upcoming Congress.
This is a public issue that progressives in Fort Worth can impact and become part of the debate in Tarrant County. I like many don't necessarily oppose the concept but oppose how its being implemented.
Progressives in Fort Worth need to get involved in the Trinity River Vision. This could be Fort Worth's version of S.O.S. in Travis County
