October 05, 2000 05:55am
New Law Angers Sex Shop Owner
Source: News Wire
(SAN JOAQUIN, CA) -- A heated battle involving sex shops in a San Joaquin County town came to an end Wednesday night.
The dispute began in Lodi when city leaders considered a plan to require background checks for all adult business employees.
One adult business owner fought back, saying that he was unfairly singled out, and threatened to expose city leaders that he says are his customers.
That opportunity came Wednesday night when the Lodi City Council members voted unanimously to pass the new ordinance.
Sex Shop owner Tim Kruppe says that some of the council members are customers, but that he would not name names, because that would be morally wrong.
Kruppe calls the ordinance discrimination, and opponents say that it is a blow to the constitution.
"I think anything that restricts anyone's freedom that isn't necessary goes against the spirit of the constitution and is wrong," opponent Charles Ackel said.
But proponents say that what's wrong is what the store could potentially create -- a front for prostitution and crime.
"I think that these types of businesses must be regulated. And I will go on record in saying, I have no problem praying they fail," proponent Rev. Dale Edwards said.
Kruppe says that the new ordinance will not close the door on his shops or put a damper on the industry that he says is growing.
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