For Immediate Release: Dated July 12, 2004
From: The Chicagoland Anarchist Network (CAN)
Contacts: Jennie Mutation or Liberte unLocked
Contact Email: ChiAnarchists (at) yahoo.com




First Court Hearing Date for 3 Pride Parade Arrestees (Halsted 3)

Arrestees face felony charges of aggravated battery in altercation with anti-gay fundamentalists who invaded the Parade.

[Chicago] On Thursday July 22nd at Branch Court 42 (Belmont and Western, Room 2) at 9 am, defendants Robert Bernstein, Jeremy Hammond, and Neal Rysdahl will attend their first hearing regarding the altercation that occurred at the Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade involving a confrontation between anti-gay protesters and the Queer and Trans Caucus of CAN, culminating in the arrest of the 3 anarchist pro-queer activists.

The incident stemmed from Republican “Family Values” Congressional candidate for the 4th District Anthony Lopez-Cisneros who fraudulently invaded the Pride Parade with a contingent of homophobic religious fundamentalists. We’re asking why the three defendants were arrested, rather than the bigots who violently ambushed Pride. In turn, why did Chicago police officers perpetuate the violence by assaulting the 3 defendants and other Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and straight allies?

Outside the Branch Court 42 (Belmont and Western) there will be a support rally in defense of the Halsted 3 at 9:00 am. We demand that Cook County State’s Attorney Dick Devine drop all the charges against the Halsted 3 immediately. Following the court hearing there will be a press conference outside Branch Court 42. We are inviting all members of mainstream, GLBT and independent media.

Later that night, on Thursday July 22nd at No Exit Café (6970 N. Glenwood) at 8:00 pm there will be a benefit to raise funds for the Halsted 3. The evening is part of an ongoing queer words and music night called Homolatte, which is hosted by Scott Free. Scott Free will be performing original music from his two previously released CDs as well a forthcoming CD. Liberte unLocked and Jennie Mutation from the Queer and Trans Caucus of the Chicagoland Anarchist Network will be the featured readers. Chris Piss from the melodic queer punk band Three Dollar Bill will be performing a rare solo acoustic set.

Legal defense contributions can be made payable to the Chicago Anti-Bashing Network (CABN), with “Halsted 3 Defense” in the memo, and sent to: Chicago Anti-Bashing Network, 4404 N. Magnolia Suite #420, Chicago, IL 60640.

The Chicagoland Anarchist Network (CAN)
Contact Email: ChiAnarchists (at) yahoo.com