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Last month the Texas Supreme Court ruled in favor of the state's new "pole tax" - a $5-per-customer fee that strip clubs serving alcohol are required to pay. Strip clubs argued that the tax restricts their freedom of expression but the court ruled the tax was directed at "the secondary effects of nude dancing when alcohol is being consumed." Utah is the only other state with a "pole tax" but others will be watching the success of this legislation and the idea is likely to catch on in other states.
According to the New York Times, the money raised in Texas will be directed to s*xual assault prevention programs and health insurance coverage for low-income people.
The Supreme Court has ruled time and again that there are serious negative secondary effects associated with the presence of the s*x industry such as increased crime and economic downturn. And because of these harms communities have a right to protect themselves by passing and enforcing laws aimed at mitigating the dangers posed to citizens, families and children.
The question must be asked if it is wise to legitimize these negative impacts by taxing the establishments responsible for bringing them to a community in the first place. While that approach seems a bit ironic, I submit that actually it meets the definition of "moronic" in that this type of legislation and the recent ruling by the Texas Supreme Court "lacks good judgment" and is "borderline in intelligence".
Measures to tax this industry in order to fill municipal coffers with funds to treat the very problems the industry itself creates are unnecessary if sound protective laws are passed and enforced. There is no denying that what really goes on inside of these clubs requires more than some "feel good" legislation.
As p*rnography and the s*x industry make more inroads into mainstream media, intelligent minds must look at the bigger picture. Wouldn't it be better to have less to clean up after in the first place regarding such establishments than making a weak attempt to fix the problems they create? My grandmother would call that closing the barn door after the cow was out. And should we allow those visiting negative effects on our communities to feel better about the damage they are doing because they paid an extra $5 to "help" those they are exploiting?
ROCK believes in the worth and value of every man, woman, and child whether p*rnography and the s*x industry has been part of their experience or not. The ROCK Cares Foundation is committed to programs that bring positive and lasting change to those harmed by the s*x industry in any way. But just as anyone of us would throw a life jacket to someone drowning in a river, wouldn't it also be wise if we did something to prevent them from getting swept downstream? ROCK's mission to raise awareness through education and grassroots involvement regarding the harmful impact of p*rnography and the s*x industry is vital if we are to have strong and wholesome communities where all families can flourish. Let's stand firm and insist public officials do what it takes to make a difference before people are drowning. Let your public officials know that you want strong effective measures in place and that you want them enforced properly. ROCK is committed to making a difference but we can't do it without your support!
ROCK is 100% funded by donations from concerned citizens just like you. If you believe the s*x industry is encroaching too much into our communities and homes, please consider joining us by sending in a gift today or by increasing your current gift. You may give a tax-deductible contribution online or by sending a check to ROCK, 1717 Alliant Ave., Suite 21A, Louisville, KY 40299. As we approach the last few months of 2011, we need your help to finish strong!
MaryAnn Gramig
President
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