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the fallout from pussy palacecontinues. Seven women organizers of last year’s lesbian bathhouse have quietly launched complaints to the Ontario Human Rights Commission against five male officers, police chief Julian Fantino and the police board.Last year the police charged two of the event’s organizers with contravening the Liquor Licence Act.
The complainants allege that the way the police carried out their investigation and prosecution of the special occasions permit was discriminatory. They also complain that female officers were not sent to conduct the permit inspection and that the male officers stayed much longer than necessary. As well, they charge that Fantino and the board failed to provide proper supervision and training.
The complainants are seeking unspecified monetary damages, an apology and an order that the police receive sensitivity training when working with the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender communities.
The police declined to comment on the complaints.
This year’s Pussy Palace will take place again at Club Toronto on Wednesday (June 20). However, it will be alcohol-free, not a licensed event.
Says organizer Loralee Gillis, “We’re just not going to give (the police) that excuse to come in.”
