HomeMy WebLinkAboutA006 - Email correspondence dated December 15, 2014 Page 1 of 1
Lap dancing ordinance
Julie Sulc
to:
Ann Campbell, gloriabetcherwardl, GartinForAmes, Peter Orazem, nelson.ames, mg, amber.corrieri,
lvilla, dvoss
12/15/2014 09:49 PM
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Dear Mayor Campbell and Members of the City Council,
I am writing to express my concerns about any action which would loosen regulations on lap dancing in
the city of Ames. I understand that this matter is complicated because of the questions of federalism:
does the city or the state have authority to regulate this matter.
Nonetheless, because you've asked for feedback, I will share that I believe there is strong evidence that
very little of the sex industry is "consensual." The research on human trafficking is fuzzy--we know less
than we would like because the point is to keep it hidden. But, experts believe that the majority of
women in prostitution are victims of sexual abuse--either incest or other forms of childhood sexual
abuse. Thus, they really have not had the chance to make a choice about what to do with their bodies.
Continuing to allow others to take advantage of them by enabling the sex industry denies them the
protection that government should provide.
Some might say "it is only lap dancing." But, anyone who spends any times working on the issue of
human trafficking will read scores of stories of young girls--often preteens--who are manipulated into
these "lighter" versions of the sex industry by a "boyfriend," who is pimping her out. The trajectory is
not positive for these girls.
This is a huge problem. But, you have the opportunity to do your part close doors that feed sex
trafficking. To the degree possible, I urge you to say, "not in our town." This ordinance is one step in
that direction.
Julie Sulc
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