After receiving a barrage of emails and phone calls from members of the local GLBT community who objected to the choice of the Rathskellar as a venue for a "meet and greet," Human Rights Campaign presdent Joe Solmonese has announced the organization has canceled the contract with the downtown restaurant and will be seeking a new venue for the event.

The Rathskellar has recently come under fire for hosting a fundraiser for Speaker of the Indiana House Brian Bosma, who has been one of the leading proponents of anti-GLBT legislation. The fundraiser, held in June of this year, was the site of a protest organized by the Indiana Action Network.

Indy Rainbow Chamber Chairman Jon Keep, who wrote an email letter to Chamber members expressing concern about the HRC's choice of venue, was pleased with the HRC's decision to move the event. "We believe that Joe's visit to Indianapolis is a positive action for HRC members in Indiana and for HRC," Keep writes in his column on the Indy Rainbow Chamber website, "and we strongly encourage you to support this event and let them know your appreciation."

A new location for the event, which is scheduled for November 6, will be announced soon.

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