Letters to Editor in San Francisco Chronicle on January 8, 1965
Dublin Core
Title
Letters to Editor in San Francisco Chronicle on January 8, 1965
Description
San Francisco Chronicle, January 8, 1965, page 42.
Source
Repository: San Francisco Public Library
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
Police and Homosexuals
Editor—I wish to protest the actions of the San Francisco Police Department in their unjustified and harassing attack on the Mardi Grass Ball Held at the California Hall January 1.
It is obvious to all who witness the actions of the police at the hall and who read the publish reports that the department could expect to accomplish nothing but to embarrass and antagonize those attempting to attend this New Year's Masquerade Ball. This affair, being sponsored by the Council on Religion and the Homosexual was to raise money to assist in future study and further understanding between the homosexual and his place in our society and the church.
It is the duty of the church to bring to itself all who are in need. If men who have dedicated themselves to draw all mankind closer to God have found time to study and begin to understand the homosexual, can society and its leaders do less?
George Alden
San Francisco
. . .
Editor—My wife and I attended as representatives of our church, the ball given by the Council on Religion at California Hall.
We were shocked by the police invasion of a private party, which was being conducted in a manner above reproach. Contrary to published reports, there was no lewd conduct, no drunkenness, and in short, the guests behaved themselves in a manner that would be acceptable anywhere.
We would like to correct the impression given the reading public, and to protect the unjust action of the San Francisco police.
Mr. and Mrs. C. Smith
Berkeley
. . .
Editor—We attended the Masquerade Ball...and were dismayed and angry to see about a half-dozen uniformed policemen and a few police photographers there to greet our arrival.
The presence of so many policemen within and without the hall seemed completely unwarranted. Policemen hired by the sponsors were present throughout the hall. We witnessed no disorder, nor even the drunkenness often characteristic of other New Year's parties.
Moreover, police photographers took pictures of almost everyone entering and leaving the hall. What reason could there be for taking these pictures other than to harass homosexuals. We have never seen such avid interest by police in other such dances where there have been drunkenness and even fights. We support the enforcement of law and order, but not harassment of any minority groups.
Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Mon.
Albany
Editor—I wish to protest the actions of the San Francisco Police Department in their unjustified and harassing attack on the Mardi Grass Ball Held at the California Hall January 1.
It is obvious to all who witness the actions of the police at the hall and who read the publish reports that the department could expect to accomplish nothing but to embarrass and antagonize those attempting to attend this New Year's Masquerade Ball. This affair, being sponsored by the Council on Religion and the Homosexual was to raise money to assist in future study and further understanding between the homosexual and his place in our society and the church.
It is the duty of the church to bring to itself all who are in need. If men who have dedicated themselves to draw all mankind closer to God have found time to study and begin to understand the homosexual, can society and its leaders do less?
George Alden
San Francisco
. . .
Editor—My wife and I attended as representatives of our church, the ball given by the Council on Religion at California Hall.
We were shocked by the police invasion of a private party, which was being conducted in a manner above reproach. Contrary to published reports, there was no lewd conduct, no drunkenness, and in short, the guests behaved themselves in a manner that would be acceptable anywhere.
We would like to correct the impression given the reading public, and to protect the unjust action of the San Francisco police.
Mr. and Mrs. C. Smith
Berkeley
. . .
Editor—We attended the Masquerade Ball...and were dismayed and angry to see about a half-dozen uniformed policemen and a few police photographers there to greet our arrival.
The presence of so many policemen within and without the hall seemed completely unwarranted. Policemen hired by the sponsors were present throughout the hall. We witnessed no disorder, nor even the drunkenness often characteristic of other New Year's parties.
Moreover, police photographers took pictures of almost everyone entering and leaving the hall. What reason could there be for taking these pictures other than to harass homosexuals. We have never seen such avid interest by police in other such dances where there have been drunkenness and even fights. We support the enforcement of law and order, but not harassment of any minority groups.
Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Mon.
Albany
Citation
“Letters to Editor in San Francisco Chronicle on January 8, 1965”, The Council on Religion and the Homosexual, LGBTQ Religious Archives Network, accessed December 23, 2024, https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/exhibits/show/crh/item/1785.