Comments on: TABC Chief Apologizes For Rainbow Lounge Raid, Says Agents Failed To “Follow The Damn Policy”

By: CB

CB — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 00:57:14 +0000

Backpeddling. I hope that those injured and/or arrested go for a civil suit against the supervisor who is suddenly retiring. Actually, I hope a civil lawsuit is filed against all law enforcement involved. Even if it fails, they will think twice about trying to strong arm gays.

Hmmmmmm, if the Matthew Shepard Act had been in effect, would this have constituted a hate crime???

By: Burr

Burr — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:32:31 +0000

Kudos for manning up.

Honestly more than anything else this just highlights the stupidity of having enforcement agencies like the TABC. They don’t do anything worthwhile and thus are prone to abusive actions like this.

By: Appology for Ft. Worth Bar Raid « The Column: LGBT Society Now

Appology for Ft. Worth Bar Raid « The Column: LGBT Society Now — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:08:25 +0000

[...] H/T The Box Turtle Bulletin Posted in News [...]

By: Richard W. Fitch

Richard W. Fitch — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:26:31 +0000

The City Council of Fort Worth is finally moving in the right direction. here is an excerpt from the Jul 21 agenda:
===========================
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
FOR THE MEETING AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2009
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY HALL
1000 THROCKMORTON STREET, FORT WORTH, TEXAS

——————————————————————————–

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. INVOCATION – Reverend Karl Travis, First Presbyterian Church

III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

IV. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 14, 2009

V. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, INTRODUCTIONS, ETC.

1. Presentation by Kid’s Who Care

2. Recognition of International Leadership Academy

3. Presentation of Proclamation for National Day of the American Cowboy in Fort Worth

VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND STAFF

1. Upcoming and Recent Events

2. Recognition of Citizens

VII. ITEMS TO BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA

VIII. ITEMS TO BE CONTINUED OR WITHDRAWN BY STAFF

IX. PRESENTATIONS BY THE CITY COUNCIL

1. Changes in Membership on Boards and Commissions

X. PRESENTATIONS AND/OR COMMUNICATIONS FROM BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND/OR CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES

XI. RESOLUTIONS

1. A Resolution Requesting an Independent Investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office Regarding the Rainbow Lounge

2. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, Canceling and Changing Some Regularly Scheduled City Council Meetings for the Months of August Through December 2009

3. A Resolution Supporting Implementation of the Nature Center Master Plan Through Establishment of a Permanent Fund Dedicated to the Nature Center with Future Mineral Lease Proceeds Up to $62 Million

4. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, Appointing a Member of the Board of Directors of the Fort Worth Crime Control and Prevention District to Fill an Unexpired Term
=============================
Pressure has been applied from many quarters and finally require response.

By: Norm!

Norm! — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:49:04 +0000

Judging from the clearly uncomfortable and hostile attitudes in Texas, Steen’s admission is courageous.

I think I visited the Rainbow Lounge a few years ago while visiting Fort Worth for a wedding. My friend and I were short on time and didn’t know the name of the bar, so we walked and drove through Fort Worth’s downtown nervously asking people where the gay bar was.

EVERYONE knew there was a gay bar in town, but no one admitted to knowing exactly where it was. Most responses we received began with a disclaimer like, “I’m not a homosexual, but I heard there is a gay bar over . . .”. We did find the small bar. Although I don’t frequent bars, I could certainly see how the Rainbow Lounge is an attractive, friendly refuge.

BTW, as I recall, the bar is in a industrial area that seemed abandoned and seedy (no trendy lofts and only suspicious folks on the corners). So, it’s incredibly doubtful anyone would complain of public intoxication. At the time, we noted the only other place open near the bar was the police station which we (mistakenly) thought would be a safe place to go for directions. Thankfully, we found the bar before trying the police station.

The whole trip just re-affirmed my bias against anything Texan. :)

By: Alex Karan

Alex Karan — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:34:00 +0000

Tim, Lilo,
I too agree. The sargeant should not be allowed to retire until after the investigation is complete, and only if there is no cause found to fire him outright. One would presume that, if fired, said sargeant would not receive any of the benefits afforded to him in an “honorable” retirement.

By: GreenEyedLilo

GreenEyedLilo — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:50:05 +0000

I agree with Timothy. Right before Pride in NYC this year, Seymour Pine, who authorized the Stonewall raid, said in an interview that he still thinks they did the right thing. Alan Steen is, thankfully, not like that.

By: timothy kincaid

timothy kincaid — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:42:13 +0000

A high ranking official that is owning resposibility, refusing to cover, admiting blame, and looking for solutions? I’m imppressed.

By: Lindoro Almaviva

Lindoro Almaviva — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:56:39 +0000

I would not allow the agent to retire until the investigation ran its course. With he retiring he effectively shielded himself from any disciplinary action and loosing pension. Not fair.

I hope he gets sued for violation of civil liberties. He needs to be held accountable one way or another.