Live Lingerie-Clad Models Don't Belong in Store Window, Says Maine Group
by Ed Thomas
December 12, 2005
(AgapePress) - - A grassroots pro-family organization in Maine has added opposition to a live lingerie display to its list of cultural protests. A downtown lingerie store called "Spellbound" in the state's capital is what has draw the fire of decency advocates. National media attention was drawn to the live male and female underwear models in the downtown store's window, drawing both praise and outrage from store owners as well as the ire of many concerned citizens. The Christian Civic League of Maine calls it a national disgrace -- but it is not illegal under any local ordinances or state laws thus far.
CCL executive director Michael Heath says the August City Council is not interested in pursuing available options of regulation under the law. "And the most appalling aspect of this is that the town council refuses to explore the legal options under the law related to obscenity, which clearly exist," he remarks.
According to Heath, the city council has received legal advice not to pursue regulation of such public displays. But he contends towns have the right to define community standards and to address the issue of obscenity. Yet state officials there in August -- "leaders who have the power to do something about it," says Heath -- are refusing to do anything.
Heath says he has written Maine's governor in hopes of having him put pressure on the business to reconsider, or the city to establish zoning laws to move this kind of display away from areas heavily trafficked by families. The store is located in a high traffic downtown area in the vicinity of a high school, city hall, and a senior center.
Ed Thomas, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
