HRC and the Rathskeller

[IndianaGreen]

HRC Mission Statement:

As America’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, the Human Rights Campaign provides a national voice on GLBT issues.

http://www.hrc.org/Template.cfm?Section=About_HRC

Why is HRC giving aid and comfort to businesses that support politicians having a clear anti-LGBT agenda?

One such business is the Rathskeller (http://www.rathskeller.com). The Rathskeller is located at the historic 19th century Athenaeum Building in downtown Indianapolis and has been the recipient of many accolades, including voted Best German Restaurant seven years in a row.

HRC and the Rathskeller

It has come to our attention that HRC President Joe Solmonese is visiting Indianapolis and hosting a meet and greet at the Rathskeller.

The Rathskeller has conducted fundraising operations for the Republican Speaker of the House, Brian Bosma, who is a primary instigator of anti-LGBT rhetoric and legislation in Indiana. Already the target of protests, the Rathskeller is now also understood to be planning a fundraiser for State Senator Pat Miller, a head of a national movement against gays and lesbians in the Methodist church, who is attempting to ban gays and lesbians from adoption. Miller also authored the recent "Authorized Reproduction" bill that caught national attention when it tried to ban unmarried women (read: lesbians) from artificial insemination.

There are dozens of LGBT-owned and LGBT-supportive restaurants in Indianapolis, far more appropriate to the function envisioned by HRC. LGBT events held under the current conditions at the Rathskeller risk not only light attendance, but risk sending exactly the wrong message to Indianapolis.

It is our concern that Indiana's fight for civil rights and against a marriage and civil union ban in Indiana do not register as high priorities for HRC's national efforts.

Please take a moment to contact HRC ([e-mail] Attention Joe Solmonese and copy Bo Schuff Indiana field coordinator located in DC or call [phone]) and advise them of your reluctance to attend an event at their chosen venue. Please ask them to change venues to a more LGBT-friendly location. It is important to call or email by this Mon (10/31/05). Thank you in advance for your help!

PS: While you're at it, please also ask that they spend in Indiana a majority of any money they raise in Indiana instead of just carting it off to DC.

[kliljedahl]

1. I wasn't aware of that

The first Democratic Party Meetup I went to was there. If they suggest it again, I'll bring it to their attention. I for one will not go there again, I didn't think the food was all that good anyway.

[hippiechick]

2. Bummer, considering how many Dean Meetups we held there, too ..

:(

[BiggJawn]

3. All those GALLONS of Optimator I bought there!

Well, never do THAT again, even if I ever do find myself back in Indy...

[izzybeans]

4. It seems the Rathskeller hosts events on both sides

are they keeping Dems out more often than repubs? I'm unclear what the beef is. If they were hosting the homophobes and denying HRC then this makes loads of sense. Does the Rathskeller monetarily support the rightwingers? Any info. would help.


If Pat Miller hosts a fundraiser there I hope HRC gives them a big wallop in terms of attendence.

[kliljedahl]

5. They'll host anyone, green is green

Who they share that green with is another story.

[izzybeans]

6. That's the biggest question for me. nt

[IndianaGreen]

7. Update: HRC Event to be held at Agio

Here is the new location for the HRC Event forwarded from Bil Browning:
------------------------------------------------------------

Everyone,

HRC has listened to the concerns of local activists and has rescheduled their meet and greet event for Agio's restaurant on Mass Avenue.

The get together starts at 7pm and runs until 8:30pm. This is your chance to talk with HRC President Joe Solomonese. Don't pass it up!

The event is open to the public. After HRC has worked so patiently and graciously with those of us here in Indiana, it would be spectacular for us to have as many people there as possible. This isn't a fundraising gathering - it's simply social. So come
along for some good conversation - and bring a friend or three!

Bil Browning
HRC