Last week, World Can’t Wait Chicago was invited by an ad hoc group to join in a protest of the U.S.-backed Saudi bombardment of Yemen. We were heartened by the call! Although organized on short notice, it was good to see 50-75 people on Saturday with banners and signs saying “Hands Off Yemen!” and “No U.S. Intervention!” Of course we brought out the “Crimes Are Crimes” banner with mugshots of Bush and Obama as a reminder that this whole messy situation has been shaped and triggered in large part by the U.S. military over the course of the past +14 years.
While not many passersby stopped to join the protest, we did get some supportive comments, and many accepted fliers. There were quite a few confused looks as well. The situation in Yemen has developed quickly, and without much attention in the press, so informing people (including many tourists, as we were on Michigan Ave.) of the basic facts of this unjust war was important. (Read more analysis and watch a video of our action here.)
What: Chicago Rally for LGBTQ Rights during Supreme Court Hearing
When: 5 PM, Tuesday, April 28
Where: Federal Plaza, Adams & Dearborn, Chicago Loop
Who: Initiated by Gay Liberation Network, endorsed by World Can’t Wait Chicago and many other organizations
“On April 28, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments about striking down bans on same-sex marriage in four states, with a decision expected in June.
But the Court’s deliberations potentially will be about much more than marriage rights. With phoney “religious liberty” bills popping up around the country, including in next-door Indiana, our opponents are striking back by attacking our equal access to public accommodations such as businesses, housing, jobs and restrooms.
How the Court decides these issues can be as much about public opinion — expressed through public demonstrations — as anything else. LGBTQ people have ALWAYS deserved equal rights, but it’s only in recent years with voices from American communities that the courts are responding. Please show the Supreme Court that you want equal rights by joining us and your neighbors for an equal rights rally in Chicago – Tuesday, April 28!” (Facebook event here)
From Progress Illinois:
In other news, a separate demonstration was held on U of C’s campus Thursday afternoon to protest John Yoo, who was speaking at the university’s law school for a workshop. Yoo, a former Justice Department lawyer under President George W. Bush’s administration, co-wrote the so-called “torture memos” drafted after 9/11 that authorized the use of torture techniques in CIA interrogations.
The Chicago chapter of World Can’t Wait spearheaded the protest against Yoo, held in front of the U of C Law School.”It is unconscionable that this unrepentant torture architect is being honored at another prestigious university, here in our city,” Chicago World Can’t Wait wrote on its website. “John Yoo has no right to speak on any ethical or legal matter – he should be on trial for the ‘work’ he did for the Bush regime.”