Local News in Brief : Aid Against ‘Gay Bashing’
A series of “gay bashing” incidents along Santa Monica Boulevard has prompted West Hollywood officials to ask the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for help.
City officials say complaints have risen sharply in recent weeks from people who have reported being the target of anti-gay verbal abuse from passing motorists while walking along the boulevard, where many of West Hollywood’s gay bars are located.
“It is not something we keep statistics for, but there has been a definite increase in the frequency of complaints,” City Manager Paul Brotzman said.
Lt. Don Mauro of the Sheriff’s Department said most of the incidents have occurred late at night and have involved “carloads of young males” shouting anti-gay remarks. Deputies have been asked to increase vigilance along the boulevard, he said.
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