TV Station Defends Releasing Identities of Men Arrested for Sex

A Los Angeles television station is defending itself after releasing the names, pictures, and birth dates of 18 men arrested for lewd behavior and loitering in a Manhattan Beach restroom.

The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center castigated KCAL/KCBS for releasing the mugshots and information of the men, which was picked up by online news sources. Center officials said KCAL's decision needlessly humiliated the men, who are charged with minor offenses.

"Like other stations in the market, we reported on a significant local news story regarding the arrest of a large number of individuals," KCAL said in a statement. "Our coverage, like that of several other media outlets, included showing the official photos of those arrested, photographs that were provided by the Manhattan Beach Police Department. This reporting is consistent with our long-held journalistic standards by which we provide the public with information and photos from law enforcement agencies about arrested individuals on a regular basis without regard to their gender, race or sexual orientation."