The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently upheld cities' rights to regulate sexually oriented businesses.
Nearly two years ago, sex-shop owners filed suit against Grand Rapids, Mich., following the adoption of an ordinance restricting the time, place and manner in which the businesses could operate. The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) defended the ordinance on behalf of citizens who support it.
“A strip club was being built within a mile of our elementary school," said Judy Rose, a Grand Rapids neighborhood association president. She knew that meant trouble.
“I think it makes it not a nice place to live," she said. "And it makes it bad for our children. I don’t want them exposed to this kind of stuff.”
ADF attorney Joseph Infranco said it was important that the court upheld citizens' rights to help decide how, when and where sexually oriented businesses operate.
“This is an area where communities and citizen groups should be proactive,” he said.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Learn what you can do to protect your community.
