Summer Toronto Vice squad detectives […]

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When

1964-06 – 1964-08

Description

Summer Toronto Vice squad detectives Belcher and McGauty undertook a personal vendetta to harass and attempt to close the city's private gay clubs. Over several months the officers conducted a systematic campaign of harassment and threats against club managers and members, culminating in the laying of a charge of gross indecency against two men who were observed dancing together at the Melody Room, 457 Church Street. During the preliminary hearing, Belcher and McGauty produced conflicting testimony and the charges were dropped on September 24, 1964. The two detectives were not deterred, and they returned to the Melody Room in early 1965. At that time their disorderly conduct and verbal abuse led the manager to have them charged with trespassing after they refused to leave the club. (see also August 5,14,1964.)

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August 5, 14 Toronto; Vancouver In […]

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Melody Room Toronto

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McGauty Donald Belcher

All Citations

"News: Toronto, Ontario: Disorderly Guests," Gay International (February-April 1965): 12.Alex Edmond, "A Case of Gross Indecency?" Two, no. 4 (1964), pp. 10—12, 21

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Donald Belcher

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Biography

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