Another gay bar raided

[JB1986]

God, these bar raids are just such comlete and utter bullshit! All this blatant homophobia within police departments is appalling tosay the least. And we all know that the dumb ass cops will do whatever they can to weasel their way out of a bind, and make it seem like they were "just doing their job." Yeah, because forcing people onto the floor, and saying"I hate gay people" is just "doing your job, biggoted mother-fuckers. This just makes me so angry!

 

[SonOfSlobone]

Google "bar raid" and do you know what comes up? Nothing but gay bar raids.

And checking Google News for the last few years, if you search for "bar raid" with "gay", you get nothing before the Fort Worth raid, except historical references to the pre-Stonewall era, and raids in other countries.

So either this is a new thing this year, or possibly there have been raids going on all along and the mainstream (non-gay) press hasn't bothered to report it...

 

[gdude30]

Lube I can't agree more. I have been so fired up after reading how gays were treated in the military years ago and how AIDS was originally treated. That's the past and nothing can really be done about that right now. But now that the police are acting like a bunch of OSI rejects and making a "GAME" out of arresting gays and harassing them and desensitizing them.

Oh hell no.

OH HELL FUCKING NO. No way in hell are they going to get away with their little fucking game and TWIST people's words around and make gays look like criminals. NOT AGAIN.

I just wish those bastards messed with me. I'm not going to submit to them and go "Oh officer please I'm so sorry I diddn't know". "Ow don't do that that hurts."

The first thing that should be said is "I need to speak with a lawyer" or something of the sort. Nothing else until that is said. Either that or "I'm taking this to the media". It's bad enough that some cops are just complete assholes that don't care about people and like to wave their little power around and take advantage of others. But the bullshit they try to pull on gay people just because we are gay. I can't fucking stand it. I am so close to doing something about it Lube. But I can't yet. But the breaking point is almost here. It's just not right.

Anyways sorry for that. This is the latest update and this is a statement the police issued.

http://www.sovo.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=27159

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2009

The Atlanta Eagle Club Arrests

“The Atlanta Police Department conducts routine inspections of city businesses with valid alcohol permits. The City received several complaints with descriptive information about alleged criminal conduct at the Atlanta Eagle Club located at 306 Ponce De Leon.

In an effort to ensure compliance with the law, the Police Department investigated the complaints and during the investigation police observed criminal behavior taking place at the Club on September 10, 2009. While the Police were conducting a compliance check it lead to the arrests of eight employees. The Department views all complaints of criminal conduct as serious and will utilize resources to investigate and deter criminal activity in order to create a safe environment.

While there have been allegations of improper behavior by police officers conducting the investigation, there have not been any official complaints filed with the Atlanta Police Department. ”

Sgt. Lisa Keyes, Atlanta Police Department, Public Affairs Unit

Three words.

BULL FUCKING SHIT

 

[SonOfSlobone]

^^^Well, this is the typical line the police take when they're accused of targeting a specific group. "We're not anti-gay (black, hispanic, etc.) we're just trying to enforce the law."

Hopefully the Atlanta gay community will mobilize like Fort Worth did and keep the pressure on these homophobes.

 

[gdude30]

Oh hell yes we will. The police in Atlanta are very racist too. I've seen it in action so to speak. They are trying to get away with too much. They are drunk on their power and the fact that they feel they can do whatever they want. It's not going to last much longer. Some very influential people and somewhat important people are finding out about this. They aren't going to stand for it. How stupid for the police to pull shit like this just less than two weeks before pride. Pride is really going to be more important this year.

I would love to go the protest but unfortunately I have prior plans that are important. I am going to find out everything that I can do. Even though I'm 19 I have a right to vote. There has got to be something I can do. I think a facebook group is a great idea too. Facebook seems to be a powerful tool if it's used right.

If they want a fucking "official complaint" than they'll get one. And if they just crumble up the complaint they sure won't be able to ignore it with a megaphone up their ass

 

[Thad1527]

Oh my gosh!

I was at the Atlanta Eagle last Easter, and had a great time. I didn't notice anything untoward or drug-related. Granted, I'm so squeaky-clean you might have to hit me with it before I'd notice.

The neighborhood has a reputation for being unconventional. Fiction I've read even refers to the Ponce de Leon area as being safe but too diverse for many of Atlanta's overly proper residents.

Any raid would have been by the city of Atlanta police. Goodness knows they have plenty else to keep them busy. Atlanta isn't paradise yet.

I'm shocked and rethinking plans to revisit.

 

[gsdx]

Cannot find any reference to C-38 in NWT but have verified BC, AB, Sask, MB, ON, NF...PEI is not included. This will be my last post because really this is off topic in here.

Bill C-38 is a federal law. Check your dictionary (if you have one). That means 'country-wide'. That means that every province is included. That means every territory is included. That means that every gay individual may marry the individual of their choice.

How can you possibly argue that same-sex marriage isn't available to all gay Canadians?

 

[gsdx]

Keep this thread on subject, please.

My apologies. I wasn't going to respond but to his antics but I was terrified that there would actually be some Jubbers who believed his nonsense, just there are a number of devoted 'followers' who hang onto every word of any religious fanatic you can name and they take every single word as gospel.

I didn't want him to end his involvement in this discussion with people thinking that he might actually be right.

 

[ThomasTwo]

Welcome to the homophobic South is all that I can say. Yes, even in Atlanta which is supposedly the city to busy to hate.

 

[gdude30]

I wish the rally wasn't on Sunday. It's just bad timing really. But that can't be helped. I have been reading comments made by other people who were there. SOV has updated the main pages a little and there is a little change. But still NO EXPLANATION OF WHY THEY WERE ARRESTED. Or what "complaints" or "who complained".

That's the only problem with stories coming from different places is different things are said and aren't said.

I had no idea thursday was underwear night too. Regardless if they really were doing something wrong a SIMPLE CITE would have sufficed. If it was a straight bar they would have done it. But of course being a gay bar a freaking swat team comes and the customers become victims as well.

That's not right.

I love how all the police are saying "Well no official complaints were filed" I bet they fucking rip up complaints if any come in or just ignore it.

I just hope that this makes people open their eyes and I hope we find out the truth. These bastard Atlanta Police.

I have been trying to spread the word to other gay forums and somewhat pansexual leather forum.

I hope that some progress is made. If you check Southern Voice though the two articles have been updated with a lot more input and voice from customers and so forth. Maybe tomorrow more details will emerge. I wonder how the protest will go too.

I hope Brother finds out more too. Seeing as how he's at the eagle. I'm sure by tomorrow much more information will come to light. I do believe what some are saying about waiting til all the facts are gathered until action is taken.

 

[frankfrank]

Who's to say that the police had ANY complaints at all? Of course they're going to say that they did. They have to try to cover their asses somehow.

I think that sometimes lower police officers are directed to send in or phone in a "complaint" so that the police can tell the truth when they said they got complaints. Never mind that the "complaint" may be entirely bogus, and actually generated within the Police Department itself!

This is disgusting, and not only do I hope that heads roll, but that this news goes national. But of course I will NEVER hear a mention of this on ANY "conventional" TV or radio news network.

If it makes it to radio at all (other than perhaps OutQ on Sirius), it will probably be because Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh decided it would be very entertaining, and good for their wackjob ratings, to ridicule and make fun of 'dem fa****ts, don'cha know.

 

[Yooper]

Unfortunately, in a number of cases, it is another bar owner that calls in the 'complaints.'

If I'm not mistaken (I might be) this was the case in the Dallas incident.

I've seen it happen in Denver and Chicago.

I'm sure it happens in Atlanta, too.

 

[gdude30]

Who's to say that the police had ANY complaints at all? Of course they're going to say that they did. They have to try to cover their asses somehow.

I think that sometimes lower police officers are directed to send in or phone in a "complaint" so that the police can tell the truth when they said they got complaints. Never mind that the "complaint" may be entirely bogus, and actually generated within the Police Department itself!

This is disgusting, and not only do I hope that heads roll, but that this news goes national. But of course I will NEVER hear a mention of this on ANY "conventional" TV or radio news network.

If it makes it to radio at all (other than perhaps OutQ on Sirius), it will probably be because Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh decided it would be very entertaining, and good for their wackjob ratings, to ridicule and make fun of 'dem fa****ts, don'cha know.

Actually thanks for reminding me of this frank. I haven't seen this posted on ANY site or article. But on the news yesterday a woman who was with some division of the police told me that she talked to the customers and she said that with her department they take the complaints very serious and she also stated how the police are honorable and such and how they'd get to the bottom of it.

I'm not sure I can believe that. Especially if they haven't even BOTHERED to mention that on any articles.

And you never know. It could make headlines if the protest caused controversy or if this happened again maybe.

I'd really like to believe what that police woman said was true though. I can't wait for all the facts to emerge. Than we can decide if it was the bar, police, or both at fault. Well the police are already at fault for a lot already...

 

[SonOfSlobone]

That woman you're referring to is the GLBT liason for the Atlanta PD. But when last heard from, she didn't know nothin. Apparently they never bothered informing her before carrying out the raid.

 

[SonOfSlobone]

Who's to say that the police had ANY complaints at all? Of course they're going to say that they did. They have to try to cover their asses somehow.

They're claiming they had 2 anonymous calls, one of which said that Thursdays were "sex night" when sex acts took place not only in the bar but in the parking lot. The neighbors all say they have no problem with this bar, though. Apparently (I've never been to ATL) it's about as respectable as a leather bar can be -- there are lots sleazier places.

And of course any sensible police dept. would do a little investigating before bringing in the storm troopers. They know perfectly well how dubious anonymous tips can be.

So what this really boils down to is a community relations problem. But maybe this incident will actually improve things in the long run.

 

[pocono]

I get to Atlanta from time to time and visited the Atlanta Eagle for the first time about a year ago. Frankly, I thought it was almost dull. Maybe it was just an off night, but it is amazing that it got raided.

As for doing something about it...Atlanta Pride is on the horizon. Maybe there is a way of focusing on this raid.

 

[evanrick]

when are they gonna start raiding lesbian bars?

 

[gdude30]

I heard the protest went good and was actually peaceful.

After reviewing it as well the police did not have a warrant or a right to SEARCH everyone in the bar. I believe that's actually illegal. Also when they ARRESTED the staff they did not allow them to make any phone calls and basically isolated them on a bench. They diddn't even give them a right to speak with a lawyer.

It is VERY clear that the police did so many wrong things. And they are going to get FUCKED up the ass.

Not only that but I am sure that some people will take legal action. Because they have the right. I also know that even a CHURCH and some gay organizations and tons of people were at the rally today.

I think the police really fucked up.

Because being gay is somewhat acceptable there is no reason to attack a gay bar. However, gay and LEATHER is different and gay and leather people have more to lose by being out. Also the gay leather lifestyle has less support from the overall gay community.

However, seeing as how leathermen represent honor, integrity, and pride whoever messes with the leather community are pretty fucking stupid.

This is definitely getting attention and once we find out the truth. That's when action will truly be taken.

They would have NEVER done this with a straight bar. Would have cited them and that's it. No reason to involve CUSTOMERS WHO AREN'T DOING ANYTHING WRONG. Total power abuse.

Each day more and more details come up. I hope we learn more tomorrow.

 

[frankfrank]

Thank you gdude, for keeping us informed about what's been going on in the wake of that huge violation of civil rights! Don't let anybody tell you that you shouldn't be concerned or angry about it. Indeed it's time for a new wave of Stonewall-type activism, lest those backwards-thinking "conservatives" take away everything we've gained in the past forty years.

I just read your blog entry and left a comment. (I seldom read blogs in here.) Your writing is very relevant and insightful. Thank you for sharing.

 

[luminum]

I'm sure all homophobes will die horrible, resounding deaths. Or not. Either way, they'll still be dead.