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Gay Bias Alleged In West Hollywood Man's Death

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Jul 25, 2008 8:46 pm US/Pacific

Gay Bias Alleged In West Hollywood Man's Death

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (AP) ― The family of a male dancer who fell or jumped off a San Diego Bay cruise ship, then was fatally shot by police, is preparing to file a federal lawsuit next week.

The family claims Steven Hirschfield's civil rights were violated and they believe gay bias might have played a role in his death.

At a news conference Friday in West Hollywood, the family described Hirschfield as deeply artistic, loving and filled with zeal for life.

Hirschfield was a dancer in the Circuit Daze harbor cruise, a dance party that was part of the weekend's gay pride celebrations.

Police say Hirschfield seized an officer's stun gun after he got onboard a patrol boat that was sent to rescue him, and beat the officer in the face, then was fatally shot when he reached for the officer's gun.

(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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