STRIPPED-DOWN STRIP CLUB BILL STUCK IN GENERAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Protection of Women and Communities Trumped by Alcohol and Gambling Legislation

Lincoln, NE—March 9, 2010—The General Affairs Committee last week failed to advance LB 443, a bill placing statewide regulations in sexually oriented businesses. The 5 to 3 vote was taken after the Committee unanimously adopted an amendment that stripped the bill of its major provisions.  The adopted amendment provided for a buffer zone of 1000-feet between SOBs and any church, school, playground, daycare facility or residence.

 “This is disappointing,” said Dave Bydalek, executive director of Family First, “because treating every human being with respect, equality and dignity are values we should all be able to embrace as a society and individuals.  The harms of the sex industry result from replacing respect, equality and dignity with a candy-coated message of hate for the women who are exploited and the men who consume it.”  

Seven other states have passed legislation similar to the original bill introduced and prioritized by Sen. Mark Christiansen of Imperial.  Last month, the Missouri Senate became the latest state to pass such legislation by an overwhelming vote of 29-2.  Over the years, federal and state courts have upheld each regulation included in the original version of LB 443 as constitutional.

“Statewide regulation really is the best approach,” added Bydalek “because SOBs always create the same problems whether they are located downtown, on the outskirts of town or off the Interstate.   They are known as the ABCs of SOBs:  Abuse, Blight, Crime and Decrease in property values.  LB 443 would provide a ‘floor of protection’ for every community in Nebraska and deserves debate by the full legislature”

A polling of the General Affairs Committee reveals there are now at least four votes to advance LB 443.  Five votes are needed for advancement.  

Seven of the eight bills advanced by the General Affairs Committee this year have been alcohol related while the other involved expansion of off-track betting.