Georgia
Supreme Court Won't Hear Of It
In good 'ol Marietta, Georgia two adult stores were shut down
in 2003. The
city's decision to revoke the stores' business licenses had survived
three appeals, including one in the Georgia Supreme Court whcih
finally said they would not hear the case.
Despite
the fact that sexually explicit material is protected by the First
Amendment, Georgia law prohibits the sale of sex toys. Apparently,
that is a pretty flimsy Amendment these days when it comes to
the Conservative Right.
Attorney Alan Begner, who represents adult stores across the state,
said that law has been selectively enforced. "For some reason,
Marietta decided to go to war," Begner said. "Sex toys are illegal
in Georgia but are sold widely because it's a stupid law and nobody
cares." If you think about it, why should anyone care if you like
having some good vibrations for your afternoon delight? Apparently
the good 'ol southern folk of Marietta, Georgia do.
The
city has an 11-page adult-entertainment ordinance under which
sex shops can operate, but within strict guidelines. Begner, who
claimed the law made Marietta look "foolish." We agree with that
statement!
