Patch Poll: Should Iowa Cities Be Allowed to Ban Nude Dancing?
The Iowa Supreme Court struck down a city ordinance that regulated strip clubs in Hamburg, but was that the right decision?
Should Iowa cities be able to ban nude dancing in strip clubs?
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Do cities in Iowa have the right to regulate nude dancing in strip clubs?
According to the Iowa Supreme Court, they don't.
Iowa's highest court last Friday struck down a Hamburg City ordinance that prohibited lap dances, among other things, according to the Cedar Rapids Gazette.
The court ruled that state law allows theaters to display public nudity and stops city governments from passing ordinances that relate to the "availability" of obscene materials.
What do you think, should cities be able to ban lap dances or regulate public nudity in strip clubs?
David Tiffany
6:35 am on Monday, July 30, 2012
It is a commercial activity. Cities should be able to regulate it. If not via a ban, at least via zoning.
Kurt B.
8:10 am on Monday, July 30, 2012
I agree 100%. If the cities cannot regulate this, then what can they regulate ( besides taxes ? ) Does anyone really want an "Earls Gold Mine" in their neighborhood ?
Barbara Somebody
7:22 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
I agree with the zoning of these establishments, but not the banning of them. If you are into this activity, that's your business. If you aren't, then don't worry about it. Keep on driving by. I certainly wouldn't want a strip club across the street from my house or a school, but people have a right to start a business as long as it meets the requirements of the city's regulations. They pay taxes, and as distasteful as it is to some people, there are jobs in these places. Legislating morality just doesn't work. What some people do with their lives is their business and others need to learn to mind THEIR own business.
Scott G.
9:11 pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2013
I sure wouldn't mind an Earl's Gold Mine in my neighborhood bro.
Scott G.
9:15 pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2013
I sure wouldn't mind an "Earls Gold Mine" in my neighborhood bro.
David Leonard
8:10 am on Monday, July 30, 2012
If it's not hurting anyone, what's the problem? If you don't like the idea, stay out of places that allow it.
Kurt B.
8:34 am on Monday, July 30, 2012
Would you tolerate one of these places being next door to you , or in your neighborhood ? It doesn't "hurt anyone" until it opens it's doors, then stuff starts happening. Hopefully, the cities can regulate this type of business by keeping them out. ( wasn't that the original blog question ? )
Beth Dalbey
9:37 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
David, is it naive to think this activity isn't hurting anyone? Earlier this year, Illinois considered a 'pole tax' to fund rape crisis centers. In supporting the legislation, Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon, a former domestic battery prosecutor, pointed to a connection between the alcohol-fueled exploitation of women and violence against women.
Maria Houser Conzemius
9:01 am on Monday, July 30, 2012
Usually, the people who engage in nudity in public do not have the bodies you'd like to see naked. I think small children might be alarmed by seeing large, pendulous objects that they haven't seen before. Usually I'm all for non-censorship, but the photo posters put up by pro-lifers on the RAGBRAI route were so disgusting and shocking I'm beginning to change my mind a bit.
Nick Berry
1:20 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
Regulating morality has no business in city business. Private commerce usually sorts itself out when people don't go to the business. Business' don't open just to open, and there is an obvious demand if any such establishment thrives.
David Tiffany
3:52 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
I disagree Nick. The 'business' of cities is NOT business. It is meeting the needs of its people - ALL of its people. There is a demand for alcohol, but cities should be able to regulate its use. There is a demand for drugs, but cities can't (and shouldn't) be able to permit their use. There will always be those willing to profit from human lechery. But everyone else shouldn't have to accept it. If a city wants to designate that 'strip clubs' can only occupy a certain part of town, that's their 'right.' Maybe an outright ban on nudity is not appropriate, but regulation is necessary.
steve ho
2:32 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
Follow zoning regs, age 18 or more, and enjoy the view
Mindy Songfer
9:06 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
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