City Of San Leandro, Police Dept. Face Discrimination Lawsuit From Gay Men
SAN LEANDRO (KCBS)—The city of San Leandro and its police department are being sued in federal court for allegedly targeting gay men in a sting operation at the local marina.
The lawyer for two men behind the lawsuit, Steven Mengel and Michael Woody, told the Oakland Tribune that police were specifically cracking down on gay sexual activity at a restroom near the San Leandro Marina.
Attorney Bruce Nickerson said he has found no proof yet that the city conducted similar actions against heterosexual couples, a fact that possibly indicates discrimination.
The men claim the city also caused them emotional distress by distributing news releases identifying them as having been arrested for lewd activities in public.
There has been no comment yet from the city or the police department.
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