Activists in Los Angeles say the naming and shaming of 18 men arrested in an undercover gay sex sting could 'destroy lives'.

The LA Gay and Lesbian Center has slammed newspapers and TV channels, including the Daily Breeze and CBS2, for publishing the names, mugshots and birthdates of suspects arrested in a Manhatten Beach public restroom last week.

Leaders of the center say the coverage of the story could lead to public humiliation and claim one of the men attempted suicide as a result.