LAPD Bans
Discrimination Against Gays and Lesbians

The Los Angeles City Council agreed Wednesday to reinstate policies banning discrimination in the hiring and promoting of gays and lesbians in the Los Angeles Police Department.

According to a report in the Los Angeles Daily News, the 12-0 vote stemmed from a 14-year-old harassment suit filed by gay former police sergeant Mitch Grobeson against the LAPD. The council also agreed to pay $695,000 in attorneys fees for Grobeson, whose case in 1993 resulted in LAPD policy changes regarding discrimination.

Under the terms of the agreement, Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will reissue an executive order first issued by former mayor Richard Riordan banning discrimination in city agencies based on sexual orientation. In addition, the council agreed to improve training for officers on gay and lesbian issues, develop an outreach program to various organizations to recruit new officers, and change questions on background checks.

The LAPD under police chief William Bratton is actively recruiting gays and lesbians. (The Advocate)