"Gay Rights Activists Say Police Should Be More Sensitive"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1991. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"Gay Rights Activists Say Police Should Be More Sensitive"

United Press International (12/24/91)

Abstract: Cincinnati--Gay rights activists are unhappy with the misdemeanor assualt conviction of Steven O'Banion, an HIV-positive Hamilton County man who spit blood and saliva at his jailers after being arrested for jaywalking and disorderly conduct. Although O'Banion's charge was reduced from felonious assault, and attempted murder charges against him were dismissed, gay activists contend that O'Banion was not guilty of anything. "The felony charges were dropped," said gay rights activist and attorney Richard Buchanan, "but what happened is not necessarily going to do anything to improve law enforcement's attitudes toward gay people and people with AIDS." Betty Gressler of Stonewall Cincinnati called for Hamilton County to develop a committee that would monitor the way sheriff's deputies treat homosexuals and people with AIDS. Sheriff Simon Leis argues that his deputies are properly trained in this regard, but had to contend with O'Banion's violent behavior.

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