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Facebook Temporarily Restores Profiles Of Drag Queens, Declines To Change 'Real Names' Policy

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Facebook met with leaders of San Francisco's transgender community in City Hall amid a crackdown on users who use their stage names on the site. But the social network has not changed a policy requiring account holders to use their real names.

The social network has recently deactivated the accounts of drag queens.

After the meeting, the company agreed to bring back the accounts for two weeks.

The outcome of Wednesday's meeting left the drag queens and Supervisor David Campos, who organized the meeting, disappointed.

"But we did not achieve what we set out. Nevertheless, we are committed to continuing to work with Facebook. We know that they have indicated a commitment to do so as well," Campos said.

Facebook said the real name requirement is important, saying it protects users and makes the social network safer. The drag queens told The Associated Press that requiring them and others to disclose their real names is unfair and could put jobs, relationships and health at risk.

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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