Tampa Bay Coalition News Online.

Toronto Lesbians Asking, "Why Male Only Police Raid at Private “Women Only” Bathhouse Fundraiser?

By R. Zeke Fread

September 16, 2000:

Toronto Canada: The Gay Community in Toronto is outraged and have demanded that the police department there provide some answers about the raid they conducted early yesterday morning. Tampa Bay Coalition News staff has learned, on September 15th, Toronto police raided Club Toronto, a private men's bathhouse. Between 4 to 6 male officers took part in the raid, however, on this night the bathhouse was occupied by between 300-350 woman. TBC's coordinator, Zeke, was contacted by a member who lives in Toronto and attended the private party. She informed him about the raid and followed up with a detailed email message. TBC, is respecting her request not to reveal her identity and the following is the information contained in her message.

A "Women Only" private party was taking place at Club Toronto, the forth time the event was hosted at the bathhouse, which started back in 1998. A special liquor license was obtained for the once a year "Pussy Palace fundraiser. This is a charity event were proceeds go to a scholarship fund for gay, lesbian and transgender students.

Our member has learned that at about midnight two female undercover officers paid the $15.00 admission fee and entered the bathhouse. They observed and reported the goings on to the other officers waiting outside. They had to of told them that most of women were topless, in various stages of undress and possibly, some sexual contact was taking place outside the private room, in the public areas. No one was seen using or taking drugs. The atmosphere was very relaxed, friendly and no the least rowdy.

Suddenly, our member said she saw four to six men dressed in street cloths walking down the hallway. One of the women told her the men said they were police and responding to a compliant of illegal activity, but, did not state what that activity was. They proceeded to search the building, which has five floors. She did not see any female officers at any time during the search, that took about an hour or so. During this time many of the women were topless and startled to see men at the "Women Only" event. Our member she and many of the women left as soon they were allowed to.

It wasn't until the following day that the reason for the raid was learned . Police say they were investigating a liquor license infraction. That the two female officers who entered the bathhouse undercover, had called the officers outside using a cell phone. But, when the male officers in street cloths raided the private party, the two female undercover officers left the building and did not participate in the raid or search of the building.The questions everyone is asking and wanting answers for are:

Why were five male officers sent to investigate the supposed infraction, when it was known the event was for "Women Only".

Why after they observed only women were present and topless/naked, were female officers called to perform the raid and search.

Why did the only female officers, who first entered the bathhouse and observed the large number of topless and naked women, leave when the male officers entered.

Why did the officers end up spending an hour and a half searching the club. What were they really doing and looking for.

At this time we have no information on arrests made. As we learn of new developments on this story we will post them. We thank our Toronto connection for her report on this story.

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