Amnesty International: Cops abuse gays, need to add liaison officers

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-gay23.html

Chicago Police should appoint a liaison officer for the gay and lesbian community in all 25 police districts, according to a new national report that studied how officers treat members of that community.

The report, released Thursday by Amnesty International, found consistent reports from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community of physical and verbal abuse from officers.

Danielle St. James, a 26-year-old transgender female, told of harassment ranging from being accused of being a prostitute to being asked by officers to disrobe in public. But St. James said she rarely challenges officers or files complaints because she doesn't think it will matter.

Chicago was one of four cities analyzed, said Ariel Herrera, a national field organizer for Amnesty International.

[benburch]

1. They abuse and rape sexworkers, too.

Both sexes.

[benburch]

2. I'm fairly amazed that there was no discussion of this topic!

Any ideas as to why?