Dramatization of July, 1972 Champaign City Council Vote on Gay Rights

The crowd of Gay Liberation members at the July meeting of the Champaign City Council was smaller than the one in May. Both Winston and I agreed that the summer vacation was partly responsible. He also argued that the latest obsession with George McGovern was sapping the movement of its strength. I disagreed.

Mayor Kane commenced the meeting with a bang of the gavel. The amendment to the civil rights ordinance was near the top of the agenda. We waited as the council went through its initial business. Steve Hancock was sitting next to me and working on an ordering form for the music store. An hour later, when the ordinance came up, the mayor stated the proposal. I heard a snicker, looked over and scowled at the perpetrator. But this time there was no vocal protest from our group.

"Is there any debate?" the mayor asked the other members of the council. There was none.

I prayed the outcome would be as favorable as the repeal of the drag law. My prayers were not answered, although once again the vote was unanimous—this time defeating the gay rights ordinance. No more kisses for councilmen.

The loss was quite disappointing. Winston and I jumped up and started booing. Other gay activists got up and started yelling "shame." Mayor Kane banged his gavel, but the disruption went on for a while, until all ten of us marched out of the council chambers.

"Damn," I shouted as we left the building. Two months ago, I was almost certain this bill would pass. The case against the Wigwam was airtight. Unanimous defeat left me demoralized and wondering how such a thing was possible.

"Don't worry," said Steve, trying to soften the blow. "We'll be back."