Joanne Webb "What's obscene is that the government is taking action about what we do in our bedrooms.''

You may remember that the Supreme Court struck down the Texas sodomy law in 2003, with Justice Anthony Kennedy writing that "The petitioners are entitled to respect for their private lives. The state cannot demean their existence or control their destiny by making their private sexual conduct a crime." Unless, apparently, those petitioners use sex toys. Joanne Webb, a former fifth-grade teacher, is a Burleson, TX, suburban mother and part-time saleswoman for a company called Passion Parties, Inc. She is also in the middle of one of the most ridiculous criminal cases. Joanne provides adult novelties that are sold at Tupperware-type house parties. These parties are educational and great for people who feel more comfortable buying marital aids in a private home than at an adult bookstore or on the Internet. Acting on a tip last month, two undercover officers went to the office of Joanne's husband, a homebuilder, where Joanne helps out with clerical work. Joanne had placed a small sign in the window advertising her parties. The undercover male and female officers asked if they could look at a product catalog. Joanne of course provided them one and the "couple" then placed an order for two items. Joanne said she tried to talk them into hosting a party to help other couples, but when they declined, she agreed to sell them the items. She retrieved the items from her home and the "couple" came back later to her husband's office to pick them up. One month later, an officer called her and said a warrant had been issued for her arrest on charges that she had sold obscene devices, a violation of state law.

According to the state's obscenity code, an obscene device is a simulated sexual organ or item designed to stimulate the genitals. It specifically refers to dildos, vibrators, and vaginal shaped toys. In my opinion, whomever enacted this law is obviously a repressed individual who has nothing better to do then to enforce their own unhealthy sexual repression on others through a legal enforcement.

Laws such as these is why you will see many adult stores posting signs that say "sold only as novelties" as we do on this site. However, considering that we educate people how to use the toys may very well make the point of doing this a mute one. Regardless, I do everything I can to legally protect my sexual health oriented business so that people all over the world may embrace their sexuality and be educated about it in a healthy, ethical and beautiful way.

After reading Joanne's story I was so outraged at her plight that I personally called her to provide her with my moral support and provided she and her lawyer with a letter stating it. My letter, along with many other supporters will go into the court hearing to show that the majority of people feel that this law prohibiting the sale of sex toys is wrong.

For one thing, it is legal to own a sex toy in Texas, so the law prohibiting the sale of one contradicts the right of a Texan to purchase one in their home state!

In addition, what was more troubling to me was the hidden story. While I read many articles about Joanne's unjust situation I kept wondering what the real reason was for these absurd charges to be brought against her. To me it was obvious someone locally had a personal issue with Joanne and used their influence to make their attacks on her a legal one. So the nagging question that kept running through my mind was who is the insecure bully that wants to take out their issues with Joanne in such an unjust and immature way. Bill Moore, the Johnson County attorney prosecuting the case, declined to be interviewed, saying through his office manager that he doesn't discuss pending cases with the media but I can tell you that reports of his staff being outraged that he is going through with the prosecution has been reported in several newspapers. When I spoke with Joanne I empathized with how hard this must be for her and her family and I was terribly saddened to hear that her arrest had caused Chris, her husband of 20 years, to suffer a nervous breakdown from the stress of this absurd and legal injustice. Joanne also said she was amazed that the town's narcotics squad would be put on the case. "We have a real problem with drugs in our schools,'' she said, "and they're using our narcotics officers to entrap me for selling a vibrator.'' Joanne said it had occurred to her that sex products might not go over so well in a conservative county where even liquor sales are banned. But Passion Parties are actually quite popular in the Bible Belt states of Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi, with sales second only to California. Therefore, Joanne reasoned that many women in her community would benefit as well. Also, with the economy doing so badly, her husband's construction business has been slow and Joanne's family needed the extra income. "I felt like I was teaching again," Joanne said regarding the parties. Joanne knew that some people disapproved of her business, but she understood that there is always gossip about such things. However, beyond the sex toys, what the true trigger was for this insanity was that she was wearing miniskirts. BeAnn Sisemore, Joanne's lawyer, said that the pastors of two churches, uncomfortable with her appearance, had asked her to move to other congregations.

BeAnn Sisemore Joanne's Lawyer "This law is about how you represent what the product is for. I can have the most obnoxious item in the world, and as long as I call it a 'novelty,' I can sell it all day long. If I educate you on how to use it, it's illegal." While Joanne has sold the devices at women-only parties. Under Texas law, the sale was a Class A misdemeanor, according to police. BeAnne said that fighting for Joanne's right to sell the adult toys is the same as fighting for sexual liberties.

Can I just pause and ask what is the deal with that? Is that what Christianity is about? Conformity, judgment, repression, control, and discrimination? I guess the pastors need to ask themselves the favorite Christian question- What would Jesus do? From what I have studied of the bible that is the exact opposite!

Chris Webb, left, and his wife, Joanne, leave the Johnson County Courthouse on Monday after a judge granted a delay in her pretrial hearing. "I'm scared," Joanne said as she headed into court December 16, 2003 with TV and newspaper cameras crowding her. "I've never been in trouble with the law before. I find it hard to believe that wanting to help couples stay together has caused me this trouble." Joanne said she was ready to stand up for her right to sell the sex toys. "Our whole purpose in fighting for it is to keep marriages together," she said. "I'm not looking for what's easy. I'm looking for what's right."

You may remember that the Supreme Court struck down the Texas sodomy law in 2003, with Justice Anthony Kennedy writing that "The petitioners are entitled to respect for their private lives. The state cannot demean their existence or control their destiny by making their private sexual conduct a crime." Unless, apparently, those petitioners use sex toys. Joanne Webb, a former fifth-grade teacher, is a Burleson, TX, suburban mother and part-time saleswoman for a company called Passion Parties, Inc. She is also in the middle of one of the most ridiculous criminal cases. Joanne provides adult novelties that are sold at Tupperware-type house parties. These parties are educational and great for people who feel more comfortable buying marital aids in a private home than at an adult bookstore or on the Internet. Acting on a tip last month, two undercover officers went to the office of Joanne's husband, a homebuilder, where Joanne helps out with clerical work. Joanne had placed a small sign in the window advertising her parties. The undercover male and female officers asked if they could look at a product catalog. Joanne of course provided them one and the "couple" then placed an order for two items. Joanne said she tried to talk them into hosting a party to help other couples, but when they declined, she agreed to sell them the items. She retrieved the items from her home and the "couple" came back later to her husband's office to pick them up. One month later, an officer called her and said a warrant had been issued for her arrest on charges that she had sold obscene devices, a violation of state law. At a chamber meeting, a few women asked Joanne to stop selling her products. Not long after that conversation, the Ambassadors moved to adopt a dress code that prohibited miniskirts. Wait, are we in the year 2004 now or 1904? Joanne indicated to me that she was going to continue what she felt was the right thing despite the stress and financial burdens. Her 13-year-old son tried to make her feel better by saying he read about the Texas obscenity statute online at DumbLaws.com and it sure is just that!

Because Joanne had explained to the undercover officers how to use the products, she crossed the line, Joanne's lawyer said. "This law is about how you represent what the product is for. I can have the most obnoxious item in the world, and as long as I call it a 'novelty,' I can sell it all day long. If I educate you on how to use it, it's illegal."

So basically some hypocritical laws in Texas say that you can own a sex toy and use it to stimulate yourself sexually, but you cannot sell it and indicate what it is for. So that would mean that anyone selling sex toys can show them to you, and sell them to you as a "novelty" while giving you a "wink, wink, nudge, nudge."

God forbid we actually talk about what it is we are selling, and teach people to embrace their sexuality... should we just keep everyone in the dark so we can continue to dumb down our society to the point of not even knowing that female ejaculation is a normal sexual function and not urine? Oh, that's right, we are already doing that!

If I sometimes sound frustrated with such conservative attitudes in this article, well, to be honest sometimes I am. The following comment is what prompted me to call Joanne and offer my support-

Sgt. Havens of the Burleson police department sounded disgusted when he said this of Joanne selling sex toys... Burleson leaders knew about her business – it's her unapologetic efforts to discuss sexuality with her female clients that ruffle feathers the most. "She's not very bashful about it, she talks about it like we talk about changing our oil."

So from that statement I gather that the attitude of these Burelson "leaders" is that we should use and sell sex toys, but lie about what they are for and be very ashamed at mentioning sex at all.

It is time that people that think this way need to truly look at what they are saying... they are asking people to lie and feel shame about something that is natural, normal, healthy and beautiful. It's just sex, not murder, not war, not anything terrible... just sex.
We should be able to talk about it with the same uninhibited honesty as we talk about changing our oil!

With so much response to the Joanne Webb story in our last newsletter edition, I wanted to allow our readers to get the latest in information regarding this groundbreaking case. The following information is what Joanne's lawyer is doing to build a defense for Joanne.

If you watched Joanne talk about her story you can on ABC's Prime Time show on 02-05-04 you would not have learned about why Joanne was really arrested and what her Lawyer's latest strategy is.

Lying in bed in the wee hours of night, BeAnn (Joanne's lawyer) said, she had an epiphany. "My eyes popped open, I got out of bed and drove to an all-night Wal-Mart. I went to the condom display and started reading the packages." The language was similar on many of them: "Designed for ultra stimulation ... contoured for her pleasure."

"Wal-Mart is violating the statute," BeAnn said. "So are the drugstores and everyone else who sells condoms." Another provision of the Texas statute says, "A person who possesses six or more obscene devices ... is presumed to possess them with intent to promote (sell) the same." Therefore, not only are Eckerd and Walgreens selling "obscene devices," but anyone with more than six condoms at home is subject to arrest!

"I will fight this all the way up with Joanne," BeAnn said. The local press, particularly the Fort Worth Weekly, has suggested that the case has made Burleson "the butt of a national joke," however, Joanne and her husband aren't laughing. "She is at risk of losing her civil liberties, losing her teaching certificate, doing jail time," Chris Webb (Joanne's husband) said. She also could be fined $1,500.

Joanne Webb, a daughter of a Marine Corps Colonel, was a tireless civic volunteer who won numerous accolades from organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Read with Kids, the Special Olympics and other worthwhile causes.

Joanne met her husband in the Baptist Student Union at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She's a former elementary school teacher and mother of three; and a Catholic who converted to the faith her husband practiced and taught in Sunday school.

But it was Texas law defining an obscene device that brought the cops to Joanne's door: "A device, including dildo or artificial vagina, designed or marketed as useful primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs. "It wasn't the fact that Joanne sold dildos that got her into trouble. According to Texas law, it's not illegal to buy dildos or to own them. It's not even illegal to sell them, provided you lie about what they are used for and refer to them as "novelties."

One of our newsletter readers made this point regarding the lie (that sex toys are novelties and not for sexual pleasure) which the government insists retailers state about the sex toys they are selling-

"How might one market an artificial vagina other than as [primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs]. Perhaps a top ten list of possible uses for an artificial vagina is in order?"

Yes, I too would be interested in seeing a top ten list... because it truly makes a point that the law is simply ridiculous much like Clinton's don't ask don't tell policy of the U.S. military. Why is our government asking us to ignore the huge elephant in the room and stay in a state of denial about sexual realities, ultimately asking us to feel ashamed about our healthy, sexual natures?

Isn't that the message sent to us to this very day by our government through many state and federal laws? Isn't that what the current U.S. Bush administration is asking us to do by telling people that we need to "protect people" from homosexual marriages? Who the heck are we protecting and from what? What harm is there in embracing our sexual natures whether we are heterosexual, bisexual or homosexual?

Consenting adults can do whatever they like in their bedrooms and love lives in my opinion. We all deserve the common decency and respect from outsiders (including our government and media) to stay out of our love lives! I feel very strongly that consenting adults who want to show their commitment to one another through a marriage, regardless of their sex, should be allowed; just as adults who want to use anything from a sex toy to a cucumber to pleasure themselves or their consenting adult lover(s) should be able to!

 

The Truth

As mentioned in our first article covering this case it's suspected that Joanne's miniskirts and hairstyles have brought undo attention, and there was an instance two years ago when the pastor of their Baptist Church suggested that she should change her attire or find another place to worship. Joanne's main critic has been identified as Shanda Perkins, whose brother, Stuart Gillespie, is a city councilman and promotes his religious beliefs on the city's Web site. Their beliefs are a bit scary in the way they get promoted. Here are examples from the Burelson, TX web site that give you a taste of what I am referring to-

"WE WILL identify the lack of specific character qualities that are the root cause of our social problems, and, where appropriate, promote new or revised public policy or law that motivates good character, in addition to modeling, promoting and training for good character."

I just wonder who decides what the root cause for their social problems are in Joanne.... mini skirts or vibrators?

Their mother is Gloria Gillespie, pastor of the Steppingstone Family Church and a force in getting the city's sexually oriented business ordinance enacted.

Shandra Perkins, after Joanne's arrest, persuaded the Chamber of Commerce board to set a dress code for female Ambassadors: Skirts could be no shorter than three inches above the knees.

Good grief... Shandra and her mother Gloria sound like they could use a good vibrator if you ask me! It is very apparent that sexuality threatens them and while I think it is fine for them to wear long skirts... who are these women to initiate actual laws, rules, and ordinances against others from enjoying and embracing sexuality as a natural part of who they are?

According to Johnson County attorney Bill Moore, Joanne's case is going forward. BeAnn is preparing motions to challenge the constitutionality of the statute. She says she hopes the presiding state judge "is brave enough to see the conflict between the constitution and the law."

Chris Webb told the Houston Chronicle that the Burleson police and the county prosecutor were unprepared for his wife's resistance to the charge. "There was a gross miscalculation of what the response would be," he says. "They thought she would come in, plead guilty, pay a fine and this would go away. They didn't anticipate she would fight back and this would get national attention."

 

Update- New Gag Order! 2-1-04

Judge issues temporary gag order in sex toys arrest case January 29, 2004

The Judge in Joanne's case on Thursday, Jan. 29th 2004, imposed a temporary gag order. The prosecuting attorney Bill Moore filed a motion seeking to stop Joanne Webb, her family and attorney from talking about the misdemeanor case that has generated publicity nationwide since her November arrest.

Bill Moore has repeatedly refused to comment on the case. Personally I think he is out of his mind for having agreed to pursue this! Johnson County Court Judge Robert Mayfield said he would rule on whether to issue a permanent gag order at another hearing in about 10 days.

I am pretty confident that Bill Moore the prosecuting attorney did this "gag order" because it must be really embarrassing for them to be made to look so foolish internationally. The majority consensus among people has been that this backward law in Texas is unconstitutional and the true motivation behind Joanne's arrest is due to the pettiness of some folk that thought Joanne's skirts were too short so they were going to teach her a lesson when she kept wearing them despite their warnings.

I guess they did not bet that Joanne would stand up to their bully tactics as well as speak for all women and their partners in America as she fights for the rights of all citizens to be able to own and sell sex toys and not lie about what they are used for!

"We should be able to open up the lines of communication, not shut them down, to help women be educated about these issues; it's once again infringing on my freedom," Joanne said, referring to the gag order.

Her attorney BeAnn Sisemore has filed a motion to dismiss the case. Sisemore has said the state obscenity law violates someone's right to own a sexual device, which is not illegal.

Joanne, we know that the backward laws and law enforcers in Texas have taken away your right to FREEDOM OF SPEECH, which is unconstitutional, as well as your right to sell legal items such as sex toys. But we can be your voice for the time being and let it be known that we Americans will not stand for this injustice.

Burelson, Texas... Americans as well as other Countries are watching you and we will not allow you to victimize anymore Americans though such unjust treatment! We are all sexual beings, and we are proud of it.

Hang in there Joanne... we support you and we will stand up with you as you fight this noble fight!

Judge issues another temporary gag order in sex toys arrest case February 10th, 2004

Court records show that the prosecutors in Joanne's case have agreed to provide the defense the video reportedly showing Joanne selling two vibrators to undercover narcotics officers.

The Judge in Joanne's case also ruled that the parties in this case must keep quiet about Joanne's "sting video" and cannot speak of the details regarding the arrest and details leading up to it.

The STOP Narcotics Task Force shot the video at the request of the Burleson Police Department, according to the judge's order. Burleson police then arrested Joanne after their "sting" operation.

I am with heavy heart over this whole injustice and it is with great vulnerability that I share with you my thoughts and feelings on it. In the beginning of bringing you Joanne's story I felt a sense of responsibility to let others know about the unjust law that threatens Joanne with one year in prison and a $4,000.00 fine.

Yet as I have gotten to know Joanne and her husband Chris and the unbelievable stress that they have been put under I have found myself personally angry and very sad.

There are really two issues here... one is that this law is simply unconstitutional as the government needs to stay out of our bedrooms and second, the reason this whole case came about was not as much about Joanne violating this law as it was that she was wearing miniskirts to church and because she refused to stop, she was made a target for the sting operation regarding her sale of sex toys to women at Tupperware style parties.

I have wept tears that ultra conservative members of our society will ostracize a woman demanding that she feel ashamed of her body because the damaging effects this has on women's self esteem is something that I have spent years trying to help women overcome.

 

The Telephone Game-

Remember the game telephone where kids sit in a circle and pass a message around ultimately proving that if it goes through enough people the original message is distorted? Well, I can report that I recently received an eMail from Joanne & Chris's former pastor... the one who asked them to leave the church for Joanne's miniskirts and I can tell you first hand that is exactly what happened.

The pastor who eMailed asked that I not publish his eMail and because I am a person of integrity, I will respect his wishes. However, I will comment on my own thoughts about his eMail as that is my right.

It truly seems like he is afraid to stand up and be heard about what he believes is right based on his request not to have his thoughts published. Yet he assured me that he stands by his decision because he believes that the men in their congregation are "too weak" to resist distraction from their worship when a woman dresses to enhance her figure. That is his choice of words... not mine, and honestly I was surprised that he would say something like that. It really showed to me that he puts very little faith in his congregation in being able to handle an attractive woman wearing a mini skirt.

That Is What Sexual Repression Does-

I believe that if you repress yourself from embracing the beauty of our birth given sensual natures then you will be prone to being overwhelmed and unable to focus on worship when an attractive women wearing clothes that compliment her figure is present. If you embrace sensuality as natural, beautiful then I believe you would not have the problem of being so distracted because it would not trigger your fears and insecurities.

Here is what I wrote to Chris & Joanne's former pastor-

Please note that despite my references to God below, our company is not affiliated with any religion as we believe there are many paths to enlightenment.

I believe that our bodies are beautiful and celebrating them in whatever way we choose is a way that we can all honor God. I believe that God wants us to accept ourselves. This includes the beautiful bodies that he has provided us all with. To cover them up is an issue that man has long struggled with and I believe it is time we evolve and move past such shame based beliefs.

I also believe in freedom of expression and admire those who respect the true meaning of it not just when it is convenient. For a woman to dress in a way that flatters her body is in my opinion a beautiful way of honoring God for the gift of it. I believe that God wants us to find balance to live harmoniously and going to extremes by being overly liberal or conservative throws us out of balance and makes dysfunctional coping more easily tempting.

I believe the role of any teacher... minister, therapist, physician is to share basic beliefs and suggestions and allow for those they teach to determine if it is right for them. The role of the church has never seemed to trust that letting go of power and control over people may actually aid in the evolution of man.

Many major religions seem to err on the side of extremes and all religions can find balance and God when they come from integrity and empowerment; not control and fear. Many ministers I have met seem to hold onto the thought that their congregation needs guidance in justifying teaching discrimination, judgment, and fear.

I do not see that as empowerment rather, creating a relationship where congregates are enabled to think that their soul's evolution is not their responsibility to determine; that all they need to do is what someone else tells them rather then think for themselves. I know the politically based founders of the church would have found control over the masses to their advantage, but how much has that premise been based on power versus true spiritual evolvement?

There is much to be learned about the concept of free will and compassion. How many times has Christianity and other religions taken a wrong turn from justifying collecting money from people to save their soul to killing people because apparently violence is all right when you want someone's land or oil. We rationalize a lot of things we know are wrong and that is why ultimately I believe in empowering people to find the greatest source of guidance we have through the voice of God in our heart.

You may disagree with some of my beliefs and that is all right with me. What is not all right with me is the way that Joanne's apparel was addressed or that there are people that will go out of their way to attack her for educating and empowering women about sex. I believe that is not what is right in my heart. I believe in compassion and unconditional love and I believe those who have ostracized and judged Joanne (not to mention taken legal action against her) need to rethink those concepts.

I don't expect to change your view points, but what I do expect from others is to refrain from allowing their religious beliefs to impact me or others legally in the U.S. It seems that Joanne's legal issues were started because of religious beliefs and I believe this contradicts the basis for which this country was founded.

Just as you would not want me to ensure that you have to buy or sell sex toys, I do not want anyone dictating the opposite in a legal forum. I believe it to violates the constitution of the United States of America. For those who do not like that it omits religion from legalities perhaps they should live in a country that allows religion and law to merge using the same principles you indicate are why Joanne and Chris should not be members of your church (that it is your church and they should abide by your rules).

I think the supreme court case renouncing Texas from enforcing a sodomy law in your state recently is a clear message and a value I hold dear in our country... the government needs to stay out of our bedrooms.

I hope for a world of discernment, accountability, and love. I hope we can overcome our prejudices, judgments, fear and anger. I hope this eMail finds you well.

 

From Chris Webb
(Joanne's Husband)-

As God's grace is sufficient for any circumstance I must believe for myself and
my family that His grace will increase to match the challenges ahead.

Though I have thanked you for Joanne, I now am thanking you for myself as a husband and father ... I must chase fear from my heart and my home and knowing that there are many, many spiritual people who not only not judge us but even love us is a great encouragement to me.

Thank you so very much,

Chris

Phone Call From Joanne-

Joanne also called and thanked us for all of our support (not only me- Lisa, but all of our readers) and that it has meant much to her and her family.

 

Judge continues gag order in sex toys arrest case from January 29, 2004

I sent Joanne an eMail recently when she contacted me feeling emotionally overwhelmed by this whole unjust case. I think often times when we read a story in the newspaper or watch it on T.V. we forget how unbelievably stressful it is for those who are living the story.

Like Joanne, I too have had emotionally exhausting days when it feels overwhelming to educate people about sexual issues. I know it probably sounds dramatic to say, but it really can be a stressful career path as it requires a great deal of responsibility and risk to do it.

Look around and you will see many extreme conservatives who wish to take away our sexual education, sexual enhancement products and silence those who teach that sexuality is a beautiful part of who we are. I write this because it is important that you know we in the USA are at great risk for sexual repression by the agenda of those who wish to shame and ostracize sexual educators whom teach that sexuality is natural and something we should embrace. Joanne's case is a modern day witch hunt, and instead of burning her at the stake they are trying to put her in jail away from her family, friends and career of sexual education.

Below is my eMail to Joanne. In it I share my personal feelings and thoughts in hopes of allowing you a more personal glimpse of the emotional challenges and legal risks for those in the sexual education field-

Please note that our company is not associated with any religion as we embrace all people regardless of religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

Dear Joanne,

I am so sorry to hear how hard this is for you. I am going to share with you my intellectual thoughts on all of this, but before I do that... let me come from my heart. I am scared too. I was scared to originally call you as I was worried that your phone may be tapped because of the investigation and that they would target me next (I can be subpoenaed to Texas too). I was REALLY scared to write about this in my newsletter and bring attention to my business about any of it.

Yet, I looked into my heart and I felt the answer. If I could not reach out to you and stand by you in this, then who am I to expect anyone to do it for me if I were in your shoes... and how easy it would be for me to be in your shoes doing what I do. What kind of person would I be if I did not reach out to you?

I think often we rationalize inaction as not causing harm, yet I think that can be equally harmful because everything we do whether we are active or passive results in a consequence. I could not in good conscience not reach out to you and show my support despite my fears. I worry about how you are holding up and I have actually cried thinking about all the stress this has put on you and yours.

I have faced many of my fears by publicly running my company as well as showing my support of you. I often have a hard time sleeping and stress a lot about it all. It takes me days to do a newsletter because I want to make sure I do it with integrity. Yet, sometimes I question myself and wonder what I have gotten myself and my family into by going into the field at all. How much safer it would have been to have stayed working for a psychiatric hospital or in mainstream therapy in private practice.

While my Mother and other family members support me, there are often comments like "We don't want to know about what you do," or "We don't want to talk about what you do." Kinda makes me feel like I am wearing a scarlet letter as I wrote about in my last newsletter.

Then there are the companies that won't do business with my company. God only knows what they think. Funny how I get so many eMails, calls and personal comments of positive support and yet the small amount of negative stuff impacts me so much. I know my soul really wants me to face these issues of which I get so overwhelmed sometimes. When things get stressful and believe me they do, I think "What more can I handle?" With tears welling in my eyes I hear my heart strongly reassure me... " A lot."

I guess if there is one thing I could say to you is that while I do not have answers... I do have so much empathy and compassion for what you are doing. I am here for you day or night... don't hesitate to call me if you just want to chat or even a friend to just sit with and have a good cry. I could actually use that too, because like it or not, this is really hard no matter how right it is!

My Thoughts On Those That Judge You-

I see our spiritual evolution as a way that we face our fears by openly dealing with them and accepting that we need to be challenged in order to grow. When we reject that and run from it or avoid it our soul finds more dramatic ways to present the same issue to get our attention. I believe that ultimately whether we like it or not, we will continue to be faced with a repetitive issues until we face them.

I always joke that our soul will teach us the lesson, it is just a matter of how much of a fight we put up in this life or after to get it! I see those who persecute as struggling greatly with sexual issues, compassion and letting go of control. Think about how brilliant it is that because you are following your souls highest path that you are now their teacher. By modeling to them what it means to come to terms with their fears.

Think about the witch burnings... think they weren't burning women who were doing the equivalent of selling sex toys in their own time? They were! They were burning women to death for questioning their authority, and who displayed their sensual natures, etc. Personally, if Jesus did come down again, I think he would be really pissed off that these so called Christians were doing such horrible things in his name.

Your story Joanne, is a modern day witch hunt and "They know not what they do." I try to remember this when I have been shunned in the past and occasionally still am because I truly believe that it comes down to levels of spiritual evolvement.

When you are spiritually evolved at a high level you understand that it is the easy path to give your power away to a pastor and believe everything they tell you. It is easy to believe things based on fear (not faith). It is easy to believe the worst about someone rather than the best. However, it is not easy to think for yourself, and take responsibility for your own spiritual awareness.

It is not easy to listen to your heart and follow it despite the majority telling you that what you are doing is wrong. It is hard to understand our life's plan sometimes because often we feel so small and overwhelmed when we choose such a path. I think about Alice Paul who was the leader in a woman's right to vote and suffered greatly to ensure that women were legally equal in their political voice. I look at Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi and other great people who followed their heart against even greater adversity and have changed the world for the better. I think about Rosa Parks refusing to sit in the back of the bus, her heart pounding, hands sweating knowing that she was literally risking her life to make a stand.

Yet, I am certain, like all of those before us and those who will come after, there are always moments of wondering just what the hell we are doing! I have wept with deep grief over the loss of support and contact with my mother & father in-law, sister in-law, father, and three friends because of my choice to be a sexual educator. I can understand it in my head, but my heart really struggles with it. I cannot imagine being so judgmental and fear based in my life.

Honestly, I have not met many people who have the courage to be vulnerable, to come from love and to embrace that it is the highest calling to follow our hearts even if that means that we question the religious and political leaders of our time. Galileo had wished to educate and teach that the our planetary system revolved around the sun not the earth. The church forbid him from doing so as they said it was against the bible. We look for black and white answers in a multicolored world. To live like that leaves us conflicted and often hypocritical.

Joanne, what you are doing is right because it comes from your heart. No matter how stressful this is just know that what you have done has helped so many others, including myself to have courage. I am glad that you and I can keep offering one another support because I know I need it, and it sure sounds like you do too.

Love & Light,

Lisa

 

For those of you following this story through our web site, you know that the whole "sting operation" on Joanne was started by Ministers of her church who were against her wearing miniskirts. When she would not abide by their shaming demands they went after her legally through her new part-time job of selling sexual aids through women only Tupperware style parties.

Those of you following this also know that one of her former ministers (Dr. Charles Stewart) eMailed me as he had seen my article and wanted to try and convince me that they did all of this out of love. Two weeks ago Joanne's former minister wrote her telling her that she could come back to their church on three conditions that he eMailed her.

1) Joanne must refrain from wearing miniskirts that may distract him and other members of the congregation.

2) Joanne must stop selling sexual toys and educating women about sex.

3) Joanne must admit that she was wrong for doing these things in front of the
    congregation and apologize.

Upon fulfilling these three conditions her minister assured her that he and the congregation would accept her back into their church and all would be forgiven. Joanne politely declined and explained to her former minister that she did not want to be a part of their church any further and found his remarks to be condescending and judgmental.

Joanne's former minister also eMailed me and tried to explain that he only wanted to teach Joanne the way of God. All I could read in his eMails was "Hey, I don't like to be the "bad guy" because the members of the church are probably embarrassed by the negative press.

I still can't find that part in the Bible that talks about how vibrators and short skirts are bad, really, really bad. Oh, that's right... there isn't one! Not to mention that anyone who takes the Bible literally needs a serious reality check. Her former minister sounded like the Pastors back in the witch burning days who is burning a woman at the stake and saying "Gee, it's such a shame WE HAD TO BURN HER, I only wish she had submitted to MY will and beliefs.

 

Projection-

Ultra conservative views are often based on ridiculous assumptions that businesses like ours are into child pornography, rape, sexual abuse & incest, and are making tons of money doing evil things.

First, let me just say that we are horrified at such absurd, fictitious accusations and find that many repressed conservatives project their deepest, darkest fears onto people who are simply attempting to promote love, communication, honesty, and integrity regarding sexuality such as we do.

Yes, I am aware that there are some "bad apples" out there that go to extremes and are involved in terrible things such as child porn, rape, incest, etc. But why is it that these conservatives go to such black and white extremes? Why do they want to throw out all the good of sexuality with some of the bad?

 

What Our Company Stands For-

~	We believe erotica and porn to be entertainment that is appropriate for adults if it follows the following criteria- a) It is between consenting adults b) It is created, distributed and packaged in a way that follows not only federal guidelines, but also with the intent that only adults will view it. c) It provides safety to its actors or actresses regarding VD and general safety and encourages viewers to do the same.
~	We believe in treating ourselves, each other, and the universe with care and respect. We respect opinions other than our own and feel strongly that all people have the right to determine how to have a sexual lifestyle that is right for them.
~	We believe social responsibility is our responsibility and believe in the freedom of speech and the need for speaking out against those things we feel inhibit our rights and freedoms.
~	We believe in embracing all people regardless of ethnicity, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation. We believe the world is a better place because we are diverse and bring our own unique energy to the universe to create an eclectic, beautiful whole.
~	We believe in inspiring and educating people to integrate wellness and beauty in their lives.
~	We believe learning never ends and are always evolving to better contribute to our customers and society as a whole.
~	We believe that true leadership is delivered with passion and by example and thus "walk our talk" and live our personal and professional lives in an honest, compassionate and honorable way.

 

Are They Simply Scared?

It occurred to me that ultra conservative right winged people may simply be scared. They are the type of people that would have told Rosa Parks to just sit in the back of the bus and not cause trouble.

They think it better to just to err on the side of being cautious, never taking risks to seek out beauty and truth in life. They bury their head in the sand and scream out condescending judgments when others don't do the same. Reminds me of the character that Kirsten Dunst plays (Betty Warren) in the movie Mona Lisa Smile who makes everyone's lives miserable because she herself is feeling scared and confused.

I was running errands the other day when a song called "Where is the love?' by the Black Eyed Peas came on the radio and I could not help but sing along thinking of how it fit my mood when thinking of the close minded and controlling attitudes we have to contend with in our world. The song reminds me of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" and just the titles of the songs are questions I asked myself throughout researching for this article.

Why are these loud ultra conservatives getting away with legally attacking companies like ours? Because we let them. Because the majority of people that believe that sexuality is a beautiful part of being a human being are remaining quiet. So what can you do?

Write Us!

I want to change that and would like to request that those of you who support what we do submit eMails or letters (with your name or without) telling us your views on sexual health, sexual education, pornography, sex toys and related issues and we will post them on our web site to show support for sexuality, sex education and products that support and honor it. There is power in numbers and my goal is to let the entire world know that the majority of people think sex is one of the best gifts we get in this life time. Not just for the physical pleasure it brings, but for the intimacy and connectedness we can feel for ourselves and our partner(s) when we experience it.

My hope is that our site will continue to offer individuals and couples the opportunity to learn about sexuality in a way that promotes respect, communication and a better understanding of how to please one another and themselves. Your letters are powerful as they let other people know that they are not alone, that we can speak openly about sex and not be ashamed about something that is one of the best attributes of who we are as human beings.

The Joanne Webb Case Dropped
Eight Months Too Late!

An obscenity charge has been dropped against Joanne Webb whom received nationwide attention in the United States when she was arrested for selling two sex toys to undercover police officers posing as a couple. Just days ago, the judge dismissed the case against Joanne. Johnson County Attorney Bill Moore said in a statement in Cleburne, Texas that he asked the judge for the dismissal to prevent wasting county resources. This also came after many eMails, letters and calls to his office asking that the case be dropped... many of them from our Holistic Wisdom Newsletter Readers!!!

Thanks to all that participated! It really goes to show that you can make a difference!!!

Joanne was arrested on November 13, 2003 about a month after the undercover officers approached her at her husband’s business in Burleson, about 10 miles south of Fort Worth, and bought two sex toys. Had she been convicted of violating Texas’ obscenity law, she could have been sentenced to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. According to the state’s obscenity code, an obscene device is a simulated sexual organ or an item designed to stimulate the genitals. Adult stores get around the law by posting signs that say “sold only as novelties”.

The Town Gossip After This-

As mentioned in our first article covering this case it's suspected that Joanne's miniskirts and hairstyles have brought undo attention, and there was an instance two years ago when the pastor of their Baptist Church suggested that she should change her attire or find another place to worship. Joanne's main critic has been identified as Shanda Perkins, whose brother, Stuart Gillespie, is a city councilman and promotes his religious beliefs on the city's Web site.

Instead of showing regret or remorse for putting Joanne through this Shanda Perkins is now reported to be telling people that Joanne planned this whole thing to make her look bad. She has been reported to say that Joanne knew that if she joined her business to the Chamber she would have to do something about it. In addition, Shanda Perkins has also been reported to say that a plan this elaborate and well organized could only be led by the devil. So naturally, Joanne must be possessed. It is our hope that Shandra seek psychiatric assistance as soon as possible.

Letter From Joanne-

Hi Lisa,

Yes, it's true, the charges were dropped! We have yet to receive anything official, but our local paper confirmed that the County Attorney's office issued a press release that said they were going to drop the charges because they didn't want to "waste county resources".

It took them 8 months to figure that out??? I'm not sure all that this means. Whether or not I can start doing parties in Burleson again or not.

Though my personal fight is ending, the fight to challenge the constitutionality of this law is just beginning. I am going to join the civil action suit against the law that my lawyer filed in Dallas last February. This was one of the main reasons for the defense fund. For the Constitutional law lawyers to help us. They can run anywhere from $35,000-$50,000 each. We have raised $15,000 so far. The need is still great.

No woman should be made to feel that it's obscene to be educated on how her body was created to work. We can have Bob Dole on public television promoting the joys of Viagra, but when a woman is invited into a private home to tell women how they can achieve the same joys... I will fight this fight as long as it's necessary, all the way to the Supreme Court!

Please thank everyone for their support. My whole family has felt as though a cloud has been lifted. We are all so thankful. I have no doubt that the onslaught of eMails, letters and phone calls helped to influence the County Attorney and the Judges decision. Thank you so much Lisa!

I've even been hearing recently from people that had never heard of your site before how much you have supported my cause. People like you are few and far between. I'm so glad you made the effort to get involved.

Bless you sweetie!
Joanne:)

Update- 2-14-08

NEW ORLEANS, La. — A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans has overturned a Texas law from the 1970s that makes it a crime to promote or sell sex toys in the state.

The 2-1 opinion referenced the U.S. Supreme Court's 2003 decision in Lawrence v. Texas that struck down a Texas law that prohibited private consensual sex among people of the same gender. That ruling created a broad if undefined constitutional right to sexual privacy.

"Whatever one might think or believe about the use of these [sex toy] devices," Justice Thomas M. Reavley wrote in the 5th Circuit opinion, "government interference with their personal and private use violates the Constitution.