Snopes.com, a site best known for debunking urban myths, has posted the transcript of an e-mail sent by the County to its manufacturers, suppliers and contractors.
The e-mail says that "any equipment, supplies or services that are provided to County departments" should not "possess or portray an image that may be construed as offensive or defamatory in nature."
It went on to give the example of a manufacturer's labelling of equipment where the words 'Master/Slave' appeared to identify the primary and secondary sources.
"Based on the cultural diversity and sensitivity of Los Angeles County," wrote LA County's Division Manager Joe Sandoval, "this is not an acceptable identification label."
Sandoval explained to OUT-LAW.COM that this was neither a ban nor a mandate. "Essentially," he explained, "this was a request".