Fury At Police Chief Who Went To Prostitutes’... (Press, 6 December 1977)

On 6 December 1977, San Francisco Police Chief Charles Gain faced significant backlash for his attendance at a “hookers’ ball”, a fundraiser aimed at legalising prostitution in the United States. The event, boasting a ticket price of $25 per person, attracted a crowd of thousands and featured performances from prominent musicians, including members of the Grateful Dead. Among the attendees were topless dancers, provocative characters, and the event’s organiser, Margo St James, who is the founder of Coyote, the first union for sex workers. The ball reportedly raised $90,000 for the cause. The San Francisco charm and liberal attitudes were on full display during this striking event, which included a university marching band and eccentric performers. Criticism arose when local politicians, particularly conservative Supervisor Quentin Kopp, condemned Gain's attendance, suggesting it demeaned the police force. Kopp specifically pointed to a photograph depicting Gain alongside St James and a transvestite, labelled “Wonder Whore”, which became a focal point for objections against his behaviour. Mayor George Moscone defended Gain, insisting that his presence at the event did not equate to an endorsement of prostitution. Nevertheless, tensions escalated as the Police Officers’ Association claimed that further documentation regarding Gain's activities at the ball had been suppressed to shield the Mayor from criticism. The controversy highlighted a cultural divide in San Francisco, which has been labelled as one of America’s most liberal cities. Recent elections had ushered in a new wave of progressive leaders, including the city’s first openly homosexual supervisor and a black female civil rights activist. San Francisco's reputation as a free-spirited haven for diverse groups was juxtaposed against rising crime rates, with reports indicating a significant increase in murders and robberies, alongside a flourishing underground sex industry. Seth Stewart, who runs a hospitality house for runaway children, remarked on the complexities of the city’s allure, where tourism has been the chief economic driver and many visitors seek to indulge in “adult fantasies”. However, this playful reputation has led to social issues, such as young teenagers engaging in prostitution, highlighting the need for better community support for vulnerable youth. Furthermore, San Francisco’s history of open celebrations, exemplified by a recent Halloween event attended by over 100,000 people, has also raised concerns about public safety. Incidents at this event included chaos following a tear-gas grenade that injured several attendees, with police facing criticism for their lack of control during the festivities. As the debate around Gain’s attendance and the broader implications of legalising prostitution continued, the city found itself at a crossroads—navigating its identity as a progressive cultural hub while grappling with the socioeconomic challenges that accompany such a multifaceted reputation.

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