Eyewitness Andrea Bennett, an Atlanta transgender who was in the bar at the time of the bombing gave this account: "Around 10:00 p.m., there was an explosion which apparently was a pipe bomb. Two people suffered significant injuries but I do not believe anyone was killed. A little while after the police arrived they cleared the area around the club, stating that there was a possiblity of another device somewhere on the premises."
The bar is a popular nightspot for transgenders as well as gays and Lesbians.
The attack comes at a time of increasing anti-gay rhetoric. At least one anti-gay bill has been introduced each day in state legislatures thus far in 1997, according to a report recently released by NGLTF.
"As the extremist Right steps up its verbal and legislative assault, violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people is on the rise," said Kerry Lobel executive director of NGLTF. "What begins as rhetoric, can often have tragic consequences."
Atlanta police said this bombing, the fourth to strike the city in seven months, has similarities to a January double-bombing at an Atlanta abortion clinic and the deadly July attack at the Olympic Games. All are thus far unsolved.
"In a larger sense it reminds me that there remains at large considerable bigotry and ignorant hatred for those who are perceived as different," Bennett said. "In this context there is little room for egotism, bickering, or fine distinctions in approach to our lifestyles.
"Let it not be forgotten that all transgendered people are at high risk for social, economic and physical abuse," she said. Even in a large city like mine, which is known for its openness and friendliness to gay, lesbian and transgendered individuals, danger is just beneath the surface." NGLTF has written to President Clinton, Attorney General Reno and FBI Director Freeh, to alert them of the incident and call for their action. "My purpose in writing you, Mr. President, is to echo concerns we have voiced to you earlier about the rising rhetoric of hate in this country and its devastating results," wrote executive director Kerry Lobel in a letter to the President dated February 22. We ask you to speak out loudly against this crime, as you did in double-bombing of the women's health clinic, deadly attacks at the Olympic Games, and burnings of black and multi-racial churches. The time has come for people of good will from all across America to speak out against hate in our country." In another letter to Attorney General Janet Reno, NGLTF's Lobel asked the Department of Justice to closely monitor the situation, and, if necessary, lend assistance to local law enforcement authorities "to ensure the collection of all needed information to determine whether or not this was a hate crime." Georgia civil rights and hate crimes laws do not include sexual orientation. The state also has a same-gender sodomy law. According to executive director Lobel, "Today we stand with Georgians who are working every day to fight against discrimination and for their civil rights. Like them, we will not rest until this bomber is brought to justice." NGLTF urges anyone with information to call FBI and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms hotline at 1-888-ATF-BOMB.