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Chicago Suburb Worried by Arson at Gay Club

Chicago Suburb Worried by Arson at Gay Club

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Whether a fire at a Chicago-area gay nightclub was motivated by antigay hatred is worrying residents of the progressive suburb where it happened.

The Chicago Tribune reports that the Velvet Rope Ultra Lounge in Oak Park was struck by a fire Sunday and that officials confirm it's being investigated as arson.

The club's owner, Frank Elliot, tells the newspaper that antigay messages were left on one of the burned-out walls, and so he suspects antigay motivation.

That has members of Oak Park's gay and lesbian business association concerned about the speculation. And they have issued statements to the Chicago Phoenix and others calling on the public to wait for the investigation to end before drawing any conclusions.

Read more about the fire at the Tribune.

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Lucas Grindley

Lucas Grindley is VP and Editorial Director for Here Media, which is parent company to The Advocate. His Twitter account is filled with politics, Philip Glass appreciation, and adorable photos of his twin toddler daughters.
Lucas Grindley is VP and Editorial Director for Here Media, which is parent company to The Advocate. His Twitter account is filled with politics, Philip Glass appreciation, and adorable photos of his twin toddler daughters.