Gay Rights Actions
This photography project includes two different gay rights related topics: the case of Lynn Sprout, and a gay marriage rights rally in 2003. I participated in and photographed these actions. The works served to document the actions and to encourage the participants. They also demonstrate the abilities and limits of how local citizens can influence local government.
Click each image to see a larger version, or cycle through them.
The Case of Lynn Sprout
In 2003 and 2004, a legal battle ensued between a nurse named Lynn Sprout and Carle Hospital, where she had been employed for years. During her employment, her same-sex partner of fifteen years became ill. Having no option of family leave like the heterosexual employees of Carle, Sprout used vacation days to care for her. The administration didn’t approve and gave her the choice of a severance package or 90-day probation. Lynn chose probation. After her probationary period had passed, Carle fired Sprout. Sprout contended that she was fired for being a homosexual after telling a co-worker of her sexual orientation. Carle said she was fired for performance reasons.
Protesters demonstrate outside Carle Clinic, 2003
A series of regular demonstrations were organized in support of Lynn throughout this period. She took her case to the Urbana Human Relations Commission, the body that hears complaints in violation of Urbana’s Human Rights Ordinance. This ordinance prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
After a long hearing spread out over many days, the human relations commission found that Carle’s firing of Lynn was an unlawful act of discrimination based upon Lynn’s sexual orientation. Sprout and Carle eventually settled before the matter came to civil court.
Protesters stand outside Carle Clinic on University Ave., 2003
A protester stands with a sign in front of Carle Clinic, 2003
Lynn Sprout is interviewed by the media, 2003
Lynn Sprout testifying before the City of Urbana Human Relations Commission, 2004.
Gay Marriage Rally, 2003
In 2003, local gay rights activists organized a demonstration at the Champaign County Brookens Center to protest the discrimination against gay partners who want to marry. In addition to a general rally, the specific demonstration aimed at exposing the fundamental problems with marriage laws in Illinois. The action started with a number of gay couples, each who wanted to marry and who had been together for a long time, going to the County Clerk’s office and applying for a marriage license. In each case, despite proclaiming their commitment to and history with each other, they were denied based on their same sex status. Then a man and a woman approached and applied for a marriage license. These two people were not a couple and had no history as a couple. They explained this to the clerk’s office and further punctuated the facts by proclaiming that they were not in love and had no interest in being a couple. They were given a marriage license regardless.
Getting ready for the action to start, Danielle shows her sign.
A group singing before the action starts
One of several gay couples approaches the desk at the County Clerk's office to obtain a marriage license. They are turned away for being the same gender.
After several more gay couples approach and are turned away, this time the clerk writes the reason for denial on the application.
Multiple media capture every word of the exchanges, and the event makes the evening news.
After the gay couples, all of whom had long-term committed partnerships, were turned away, Adam and Amy approach the counter. They explain that they are not in love, are not partners, and don't really want to be married. They ask for a marriage license and are given one.
After asking for licenses, each couple 'walked down the aisle', with others tossing rice and playing processional music
Patricia's license with the Clerk's notation on why it was denied
The crowd celebrating outside after the processional