CHICAGO (AP) – The five Republicans on the county board withdrew their names from a routine proclamation welcoming the 2006 Gay Games to Chicago.

The Illinois Family Institute is urging Democratic commissioners to do the same.

“There’s a big difference between tolerating and celebrating homosexuality,” said Peter LaBarbera of the Illinois Family Institute. “For governments to be using taxpayer money and big corporations spending money to sponsor this, we think the average Joe sees that as being just a little bit off.”

The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved the ceremonial proclamation without opposition last month as one of a group of routine measures.

“I must have been out of the room” when the proclamation came up, said Tony Peraica, one of the five Republicans on the 17-commissioner board.

Organizers say the Gay Games, set for July 2006, could pump between $50 million and $80 million into Chicago’s economy.

Gay Games spokesperson Tracy Baim said she was not surprised by the commissioners’ move and was “actually more surprised” when the proclamation was approved.

Commissioner Mike Quigley, who sponsored the proclamation, plans to play hockey in the games and said the Republicans’ move stemmed from “blinding bias and animosity.”

The city of Chicago isn’t a financial sponsor but is helping line up facilities and other resources. The opening ceremony is to be held at Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears football team, and the closing ceremony at Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs baseball team.