'Rumored Gay'
O.C. Officer Wins $1.2 Million

On Tuesday a Newport Beach, Calif., police officer was awarded $1.2 million by an Orange County jury who believed his claim that he was denied promotions partly because of false rumors that he is gay.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Neil Harvey -- a 27-year veteran of the NBPD -- alleges he was passed over for lieutenant despite having more experience and more formal education than other candidates, and that former police chief Bob McDonell never promoted anyone perceived to be gay. Harvey also claimed he was unpopular in the department because he previously reported misconduct by fellow officers.

"The one thing he's always wanted to do is be a police officer," Harvey's attorney, Jack Girardi, said. "There's a certain sense that this jury validated the reasonableness of the complaints he made. I guess that might make going back to work a little bit easier."

In related news, police officers in Orange County have been accused of closing down a party at a local bowling alley because it attracted gay patrons.