08/22/2008
Police Charge 24 in Huntsville, Alabama Gay Sex Sting
Law enforcement authorities in Huntsville, Alabama conducted a weeklong sting spurred by what they said were complaints of gay cruising at the Monte Sano scenic overlook outside the city that resulted in charges being filed against 24 men:
"Police officials said the investgation began in response to complaints from citizens about sexual activity involving men at one of Huntsville's most scenic sites. During the investigation, officers obtained warrants for 22 alleged offenders and arrested two people at the overlook. The offenders with charges pending against them were contacted to either come to the Huntsville Police Department to turn themselves in or to face officers coming to their home or business and being arrested, officials said. Those who are arrested will be charged with Sexual Misconduct and could face fines, jail time, probation, and be required to register as sex offenders after their conviction, investigators said. All offenders were also trespassed from all city parks for a period of one year and will face being arrested if they violate that trespass warning."
According to local news station WAAY, which published a mugshot gallery and a list of the alleged offenders (a tactic we've seen before), "Police officials said they will continue to want all locations in Huntsville that have been on an ongoing basis for criminal and immoral activities."
Said Huntsville Police Sgt. Mark Roberts: "What we're saying is we're getting serious with this problem. We had to look at another sense, because we knew law enforcement alone was not working and that it didn't matter to them if they got caught or not. We're hoping in the future this is a better place and hope the design change makes it a better place for the community."
(image flickr user WhitneyGH)
Posted 8:38 AM EST by Andy Towle in Alabama, Law Enforcement, News | Permalink
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"Police officials said the investgation began in response to complaints from citizens about sexual activity involving men at one of Huntsville's most scenic sites."
I didn't find it the humorous but perhaps this might clear it up for you Kevin.
Posted by: D.R.H. | Aug 22, 2008 11:21:09 AM
"If you check out the published 'mugshots' all but one of the arrested men appears to be in his 50s and 60s - so this isn't a problem endemic of a younger generation of guys."
Actually, there are a number of guys under 30 on the list. I imagine the majority of guys who frequent outdoor cruising spots are older (many also closeted) but certainly not everyone. So, it isn't just an old guy thing (personal experience bears this out), even if the Internet is the hook-up method of choice for out, younger guys, one--it should be noted--that comes with its own set of problems and risks.
Posted by: Ernie | Aug 22, 2008 11:21:39 AM
It would be absurd to make these people registered sex offenders for the rest of their lives. That has very serious consequences and amounts to a lifetime of punishment. It doesn't fit the crime. Consensual adult sex should not be in the same category as crimes against children. Sex offender registries are out of hand.
My other thought on this matter is how deeply sad it is that these men still feel like they have to sneak around in parks.
Posted by: sam | Aug 22, 2008 11:27:39 AM
People, this is the lover's lane of Huntsville -- where everyone I know growing up went to make out. These self-hating sex comments totally miss the point that in 2008, activity that is no different that what was portrayed in American Graffiti for god's sake, can result in this sort of scarlet letter type treatment. Honestly, sometimes I wonder what planet some of the commenters here are from. The reporter fro WAAY TV is a right wing nut job, hired recently, who can barley write a coherent sentence. This is shameful and a stain on the city. The road in question is a lightly travelled mountain road that features an infamous series of pull over spots with views of the city. When I was in High School, everyone, Gay and straight, used these overlooks for hooking up. To single out gays this way is shameful. Period.
Posted by: wake up | Aug 22, 2008 11:34:54 AM
What is offensive is the media's parading photos of these men as a kind of public shaming - a nother voyeurism? What do they really hope to accomplish? Similarly, the sex-offender status will ruin these men and I can't imagine it is being handled fairly. Of course, it is indencent behavior but it does not rise to the level of assault and battery.
Posted by: Tom | Aug 22, 2008 11:50:51 AM
while i am of the mind that it is illegal to have sex in public places and by doing so, an individual has to face the consequences, i am utterly appalled by the degree of punishment these guys are facing.
published mug shots?
register as sex offenders?
oh please!
yeah, they were out in the woods bumping uglies but come on. are the crimes committed of such a level that these people's lives have to be ruined? remember that if someone registers as a sex offender it basically puts a restriction on just about every facet of the person's life. it affects where he/she can live, go shopping, work, etc.
the degree of the punishment far outweighs the degree if the crime.
Posted by: alguien | Aug 22, 2008 11:52:41 AM
"For the record, I am unaware of any straight 'lovers lanes.' I don't know where to find them outside of period movies."
Of course you aren't aware of any straight "lovers lanes": you're gay, and you aren't looking for a straight "lovers lane."
*melody* "I found my thrill, on Blueberry Hill" *melody*
Posted by: FATSDOMINO a/k/a HOGB a/k/a THATSRICH a/k/a ANOTHERDEMOCRATICIDIOT | Aug 22, 2008 11:56:49 AM
blueberry hill is strawberry shortcake's slutty sister.
Posted by: alguien | Aug 22, 2008 12:24:51 PM
I'd much rather have my child see people having sex than 99% of the violence that is apparently "ok" in MSM. Shooting people in the head, decapitation, the list is endless when it comes to violent images that are "acceptable." America: 500 years later, and we're still a bunch of Puritans. All I can say is, that 84 year-old who was there? You go grampa!
For those of you who think they should get online, consider that they might not have this type of access. The work I do puts me in contact with older men who often don't have private computer access because of a lack of financial means and they typically lack the understanding of how to use a computer even if they did have one.
It's pretty sad to think how these men's lives will be affected now that their pictures have been published in such a small community. Talk about vilification.
Posted by: znsd | Aug 22, 2008 12:46:36 PM
Nice to see that the police in Huntsville,Alabama don't have any REAL crime going on. In the next few weeks San Francisco will be celebrating the Outside Lands Music Festival(8/22-8/24),Power to the Peaceful(9/6)both in Golden Gate Park and Folsom Street Fair(9/28),SF Lovefest(10/4) and Castro Street Fair(10/5). WARNING:These events are for mature adults who are not afraid of seeing dicks and ass. Uptight gay men and families with children can stay home and pray about their moral superiority.
Posted by: SFshawn | Aug 22, 2008 1:06:14 PM
"Derrick will be all over my ass..."
Don't be ridiculous, Andrea (I love the way Ms Streep said that line in "...Prada.") I don't "toss salad" in public places, D.R.H. Somethings you don't let others see. I'll do the balls from the back, but I'm not going all over anyone's ass.
The only way this issue can be tied to gay men is when the police use "selective crackdowns"--that is as the poster, WAKE UP(bless his brave Dixie soul for speaking up)said, "...everyone, Gay and Straight, used these overlooks for hooking up."
Why must it always be the homosexual activity that the police decided to "put a stop to".
Other than the issue of "fairness"-- no, gay men shouldn't bother themselves with this issue. Y'all should be doing more important things like volunteering for the Obama Campaign.
It isn't about "gay"; it's about an age old activity for closeted homos, "down low" guys, trade, and some openly gay men. It is convenient, easy, and maybe less dangerous than Internet hookups (I know that sounds insane considering the recent murder in Brooklyn's Prospect Park). Less dangerous because you're not bringing some rough-ass piece of trade into your home.
For most of y'all it aint an attractive way to meet men. For some of us it was/is a very easy way to meet men.
And the last thing gay (and "down low") men want to do is choose a bush or a tree to "get down" where anybody can see them. And it's usually night time! You'd have to be a voyeur to see them (I know all about voyeurism, D.R.H., but nothin' 'bout birthin' babies) Straight couples are the guilty of picking a spot where everybody can see them. You've never seen a straight guy's naked butt in the back window of a car?...well, in 'bama I guess it'd be a pick-up truck. If he was a highschool football player it can be a glorious sight.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | Aug 22, 2008 1:24:16 PM
Once again, for those of you who object "because it's illegal:" If that's really it, you do realize that gay sex was illegal in many states before 2003? Did you abstain because it was illegal?? In Alabama, for example, before 2003 you could get 1 year of jail and a fine of $2000. The law applied to anyone who was not married.
So tell the truth now: did you not have sex because it was "illegal"?
Posted by: Kevinvt | Aug 22, 2008 1:51:03 PM
KevinNT, you are stupid and can only generate one line of news that holds NO merit here; please do yourself a favor and be quiet.
Also WAKE UP= SHUT UP!
The rest of you here need to stop comparing straights having sex in public to gay men having sex in public because in truth there is NO comparison at all; absolutely none!! It is a weak argument that is lame and misses the mark completely.
I am pleased that these men were caught and their pictures posted as gay men need to have a little more shame about the places and the frequency in which they are on the prowl for sex.
Dan B you are 100% correct!
Sam you are 100% correct!
Posted by: CR | Aug 22, 2008 2:43:10 PM
"...gay men need to have a little more shame about the places and the frequency in which they are on the prowl for sex."
Shame? Freudian or McClurkian?
I know what you meant, honey, but it didn't come out quite the way you wanted it to. (I'm using a 'bama accent right now).
"I go out walkin' after midnight, out in the moonlight
Just a hopin' you may be somewhere a walkin' after midnight searchin' for meeeeeeee."
Now that would certainly be an appropriate theme song for Alabama public park cruising.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | Aug 22, 2008 3:06:40 PM
gay men need more shame, huh?
I bet we need more jebus too. Fuck that.
I don't do the outdoor thing for a number of reasons (one of which is growing up in Minnesota and having a thing about mosquitoes). But cripes, this is ridiculous.
Posted by: MAJeff | Aug 22, 2008 3:11:48 PM
Wow. Amazing what anonymity will do.
No, CR, I'm not stupid. I happen to teach at a college recently rated as having the best professors and ranked #5 by US News. And graduated from one that is ranked #1 (PhD, Phi Beta Kappa, blah blah blah). Oh, and I in fact study such things as sex panics and gay studies in general. So if anyone can shut the fuck up, it's perhaps you, since you're probably a straight right-wing troll anyway.
Please read the comment by WAKE UP, the ONE person here who actually knows the local lay of the land.
Posted by: Kevinvt | Aug 22, 2008 3:38:36 PM
I don't care whether you're for or against public sex, but the sad, scared, ashamed looks in the eyes of the guys in the mugshots are heartbreaking. Say what you want about age (most look older, while the younger ones mostly seem to be minorities---not sure what to make of that); this sucks for all of them, regardless of the duplicity they may or may not be engaged in.
Posted by: Paul R | Aug 22, 2008 5:48:50 PM
I think there is an angle here that isn't being given full credit. Most agree the perpetrators are most probably bi/straight married guys looking for quick sex.
I am thinking the "homo scare" tactic by the police and paper is designed to scare the shit out of rest of the bi/married guys via public humiliation and association to being homosexual. And although the article absolutely wreaks of gay smear - I don't think the gay community is the target. Sure - we get the bum wrap - but hell , we're used to it and tough enough to take it.
As for the bust - two thumbs up from me. If they ain't got enough guts to do it at home or in a motel/hotel - then they probably ain't gay. Now, don't latch on to that and take off on a tangent. I'm saying it takes a whole lot of guts and whole lot of courage to step out of the closet. Us who have done it know. Those who will remain closeted are probably lieing to family, friends, kids, etc. Their whole damn life is a lie.
This was quite an unfortunate event for those involved. They were stupid and irresponsible. And if it was all for a thrill - I think they will end up getting their money's worth. Seems $39.99 over at the Motel6 would have been a better option.
Posted by: Mark | Aug 22, 2008 9:53:52 PM
That's what you are, Mark. A Turd. Gay Turd, or Straight Turd -- but all 100% super-fragolistic-expialodocious-Turd-o-rama, dear Mark.
Posted by: Turd. | Aug 22, 2008 10:12:26 PM
Lord have mercy....Them is some busted bitches. I hope they were tricking in the dark.
Posted by: Jake | Aug 22, 2008 10:30:03 PM
As someone who lives in a city with an amazingly supportive gay community (San Francisco) I feel for those who live in places where the only outlet they feel they can express their true sexual identity is with strangers at a rest stop.
MOVE! Your neighbors wouldn't like you. Your family is living a lie every day you pretend. And it can only get worse. But there ARE more progressive places where you can be yourself AND part of a greater whole. I grew up in Nebraska, I understand.
Run while you still can.
Posted by: fanboi | Aug 23, 2008 5:59:46 AM
I've read through most of the comments, attitude and hostility removed - it seems most of you are singing from the same hymn sheet. most people accept sex in public is illegal and rightfully so, what seems to be happening here in light of "wake up's" comment is a homophobic bias playing itself out through selective law enforcement, straight couples that engage in sexual activities in this area (behavior these gay men are being penalized for) are not being targeted , The strong arm of the law seems to have been reserved for gay men in this instance which suggests homophobic agenda. If the law is not blanket enforced it's absurd , discriminatory and thoroughly shameful indictment of that particular law enforcements authorities institutionalized homophobic bias and ineligibility to competently serve the community fairly and justly.
Posted by: oh | Aug 23, 2008 8:20:00 AM
Almost all of these poor guys are older men. They come from a mentality of self hate and internal homophobia that was created by a hateful straight society that condemned them for being who they are from the time they were children.
Younger people need to understand that this behavior which took years to create is not so easy to change unfortunately.
I agree that public sex is illegal but it is obvious that this is more about straight homophobia.
I'm glad that todays gay youth have all the freedom of the internet. But something still makes them abuse themselves. The majority of new HIV infections are of the young. Why?
Try to learn to be more understanding and sympathetic when it comes to your gay bi closeted brothers. Things could change in your lifetime too. You never know what this government will do. (Wiretapping etc) Perhaps they will someday monitor what goes on the "internets" and YOUR mug shot will be all over the world wide web.
Try a little kindness people.
Posted by: Dray | Aug 24, 2008 1:41:00 AM
I've heard this before. The police were responding to "complaints" from "concerned citizens." Well, Lambda Legal and the ACLU have been involved in various cases like this for decades and boy, it sure is hard to get ahold of those "complaints" during discovery and trial. Somehow, they always go missing.
Funny about that.
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