Protests Planned In Response To Drag Show At LITH Cafe

LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — The Lake in the Hills Police Department will be on the lookout for any acts of violence or criminal activity that occur during protests planned in response to a drag show happening Saturday at a local café.

The Lake in the Hills Police Department and Community Development Department have investigated concerns from residents regarding children being allowed to attend a drag show performance at UpRising Bakery and Cafe, 2104 W. Algonquin Road, on July 23.

"Subsequently, no violations of the Village of Lake in the Hills Municipal code were found and no nudity or sexually explicit content is reported to be a part of the scheduled performance," according to a news release from the police department. "We encourage anyone who has a concern to contact us directly and not rely solely on the social media attention that has overtaken this event."

The police department is also investigating reports regarding threats to the business made to the owner of the café. Those threats, police say, were made online and in-person.

Meanwhile, police are aware of protests and counterprotests planned for the day of the upcoming drag show.

"The safety and constitutional rights of everyone who may choose to participate is the
priority of the police department. We are taking measures to ensure that everyone has the right to engage in peaceful protest," according to the news release.

Authorities say they will not "under no circumstances" allow disruption of the drag show "or any activity that disrupts the peace," according to authorities.

"The department will be taking a zero-tolerance approach for those individuals who choose to attend with plans to engage in acts of violence or criminal activity," authorities said Tuesday.