Palatine Jaycees Address Live Fetus Banner Parade Issue

The Palatine Jaycees addressed the Hometown Fest at its general meeting Thursday.

Palatine Area Catholics Respect Life will not be in the July 2 parade after refusing to drop a banner that includes a picture of a live fetus. Respect Life officials have said the image is not offensive or inflammatory and was necessary for the message they wanted to convey.

Jaycees President Chrissy Trilling Raices began the Jaycees meeting by saying she wanted to address the "800-pound gorilla in the room."

She read the following statement:

The Respect Life Group was denied participation in the Palatine Jaycee Hometown Fest parade because the Respect Life Group refused to work with festival organizers. Unlike other groups who fully cooperate with requests of the Hometown Fest Committee, the Respect Life Group refused to budge on requests and was demanding to the Committee.

The denial was not about the issue the group represents, but that the group refused to work with volunteers to come to a mutual agreement, particularly regarding one image on their banner. The Palatine Jaycees are a non-political organization, and we neither endorse nor reject the messages of those that march in the parade. However, we do reserve the right to approve or deny the manner in which these messages are conveyed.

The Palatine Jaycees are made up of a group of dedicated people between the ages of 21-40 who want to make a difference in the community, gain leadership skills and meet new people. Every year we give thousands of hours of time on Hometown Fest alone, in addition to nearly 100 other projects including Jaycee Scholarships, School Supply Drive, Holiday Party for Kids in Need, etc. Because of our dedication and hard work, the Palatine community is able to enjoy a 4th of July celebration without spending tax dollars. In addition, this year the Palatine Jaycees will donate over $25,000 to community organizations and families in need.

As volunteers, our members deserve to be treated with respect and courtesy. Unfortunately this has not been our experience with this group.

We thank the Palatine community for their support, and look forward to seeing everyone at Hometown Fest.