Gay Gallery Owner in Fla. Alleges Police Discrimination

Says 'rednecked' St. Pete wants him out
By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 30, 2008 1:17 PM CDT
Gay Gallery Owner in Fla. Alleges Police Discrimination
Bill Schramm was arrested last week at a nude exhibit on charges of unlawfully exposing private parts.   (Shutterstock)

The owner of an erotic art gallery in St. Petersburg plans to sue the city following a police raid, the St. Petersburg Times reports. Bill Schramm was arrested last week on charges of unlawfully exposing private parts—his exhibit featured a naked man hanging from the ceiling, running afoul of an ordinance that forbids establishments that serve alcohol from displaying genitals—and battery of an officer.

This isn’t the first time police have cited Schramm, who claims he’s being singled out because he’s gay. "I'm realizing that this is the most rednecked, backward town," he says. "They want me out of here." Police deny the allegation, arguing they’re just enforcing the law. "We are a very diverse community and respectful of the diversity of the community,” said the police chief. (More erotica stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X