Causes White Night riots

san francisco s castro district became stronghold emerging gay community.

the community had long history of conflict san francisco police department. following world war ii, gay bars subject frequent raids , attempts california department of alcoholic beverage control revoke alcohol licenses. accused of serving alcohol homosexuals, criminal act @ time.

the growing political , economic power of city s gay community conflicted established dwindling numbers of conservative institutions, such police , fire departments. 1971, police arresting average of 2,800 men per year on public sex charges; contrast, 63 such arrests made in new york city, although quarter of san francisco reported gay @ time. many charges dismissed due entrapment, several men given harsh sentences. in march, 1979, attack on lesbian bar off-duty police officers made national news , highlighted tension between lgbt community , police. washington post cited incident when reported week before white night riots anti-homosexual violence had increased level unparalleled in san francisco s recent history , including gay community perceived increasing harassment , abuse directed toward homosexuals police themselves, indifference city officials.

when dan white found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, successful diminished capacity defense enraged gay community. police , fire departments had raised money defense gave anger focus, turning against city government , sfpd.