Law keepers are going to have to get in touch with their sensitive side.
Toronto police officers - from the Chief to the newest recruits - are going to have gay and lesbian sensitivity training because of a settlement in a legal action triggered by a raid on a bathhouse in 2000.
If the deal goes through, the Toronto Police Service also has to dish out $350,000 for a group of lesbian complainants. The cash will look after legal costs and the rest will go to charity.
The incident that triggered the deal began on September 14, 2000. That’s when a few officers descended upon a lesbian bathhouse during a special event that 355 women were attending.
In the midst of the party, two female officers made their way inside to check if there were any liquor violations going on. Then they called five males from the force.
Allegations claimed police went into private rooms and hung around spots where women were scantily clad. Those who launched the complaints claimed they experienced feelings of violation they likened to being strip-searched.
The settlement means that the women have to abandon a human rights complaint and a lawsuit against the Police Services Board.
Chief Julian Fantino sighs when asked about the outcome, noting his officers already take a large number of courses aimed at heightening their community awareness.
And he fears the extra work it entails will take police away from where they're really needed - stopping crime on the streets.
