Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders apologizes for 1981 gay bathhouse raids

"Recognizing diversity requires consistentlyrenewed practice strategies and reaching out to communities and vigilance in challenging stereotypes. Policingrequiresbuilding mutualtrust andthat means forging links with the full rangeof communities that make up this extraordinary city. The Toronto Police Service recognizes the lessons from that period have continuing relevance for the creation of a more inclusive city."

Saunders,joined by members of the LGBTcommunities,made the remarks in front of rainbow flags andas part of Toronto's annual Pride celebrations.

On Feb. 5, 1981, officers armed with crowbars and sledgehammers raided the bathhouses andarrested some 300gay men.

Those who owned or worked in the bathhouseswerechargedwith keepinga common bawdyhouse and patrons werechargedwith being found in a commonbawdy house.

More than 90 per cent of the charges were eventually dropped, and the raids galvanized Toronto'sLGBTcommunity to fight for their rights and find a political voice.

Toronto Mayor John Tory asked the crowd at police headquarters to observe a moment of silence for the victims and families of the attack on Pulse nightclub in Orlando that left 49 people dead and 53 injured.

"I want to say in all seriousness thatit's a good and appropriate time to acknowledge something in our community that was wrong, something that happened that was wrong. It went against the respect, the sense of fairness and the sense of decency, everything we believe in, the sense of justice we expect. I commend the chief," Tory said.

Tory said he is proud to be mayor of a city that celebrates LGBT rights.

Andy Pringle, chair of TorontoPolice Services Board, said much has changed since the bathhouse raids, includingthe police service. He said the board is an "ardent supporter" of Pride month in Toronto.

Toronto Pastor Brent Hawkes, a community leaderwho spoke at the police chief`s Pride reception, said the apology is significant.

"The raids on the baths 35 years ago and subsequently have been among the low points in the relationship between the LGBTQ community and Toronto police. The cost of that damaged relationship has been that crimes againstour community have gone under-reported and the trusting relationship that is needed between various groups, especially marginalized groups, with the police was severely damaged," he said.

"And the message it sent to the broader society, in terms of marginalization and criminalization of ourcommunity, has caused a lot of damage."

Hawkes said much work has been done since inside the Toronto Police Service, through liaisoncommittees and by severalsenior staff and two previous police chiefs,to improve the relationship.

"Today not only helps to heal, here in Toronto, it also helps to avoid hurt. While the hurt remains, the healing can begin. And to that, I say, thank you, Toronto police services, and thank you, Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders."

Activists say the apology has taken a long time.

"Thirty-five years is a long time coming," John Brodhagen,the general manager of Steamworks Baths,told CBC News earlier this week.