Abstract: A livestock detaining gate preferably constructed of steel, having a gate latch system for locking gate panels into a closed position, and for permitting the panels to rotate into either a forward or rear open position. The latch system is preferably comprised of two cylindrical pipe sections suspended from parallel bars, which are also parallel to the upper edge of the closed gate panels, and are positioned slightly above said upper edge, with one cylinder to the front and one to the rear of the closed gate panels. An additional parallel rod is positioned slightly ahead of the forward cylinder, with another parallel rod positioned slightly behind the rear cylinder. The cylinder may swing inward upon contact with the closing gate panel top, allowing the gate panel to close. However, the extreme forward and rear rods prevent either cylinder from swinging outward, thus locking the gate panels in the closed position. A cantilever lift system is connected to the cylinder supporting rods.