#lesbian raid

"Policewoman were used as decoys, and after raids on bars the charges were generally 'visiting a home of ill repute,' 'disorderly conduct,' or 'conduct contrary to the public welfare and morals.' Many frightened lesbians were badgered into pleading guilty because they were made to feel ashamed of being homosexual. In Lesbian/Woman, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon would detail a 1956 raid at Kelly's, a San Francisco bar catering to lesbians, that resulted in thirty-six arrests on charges of 'visiting a disorderly house.' All except four pleaded guilty and received suspended sentences. The four young women who pleaded not guilty had their cases dismissed."