VICTORY! CITIZENS STAND UP FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

by Penny Lancaster

Partnering with other community organizations, Citizens for Community Values sought to decrease both the supply and the demand for pornography while raising community standards in our area. The following items indicate our current status and accomplishments working with city and county officials.

County Adult Entertainment Ordinance - Retail adult bookstores, such as WorldWide Video and Castle Bookstore, must close or move out of town in 3.5 years. Paradise Bookstore and Erotic Boutique have closed. DejaVu has complied with most restrictions, which has reduced the number of patrons and dancers. Code violations, however, place DejaVu at risk for closure as a nuisance. All but one bookstore has closed its peep booths to eliminate onsite viewing of pornography.

City Adult Retail Ordinance - A zoning ordinance more protective of neighborhoods and businesses was passed by City Council in February, 2001. Sexually oriented bookstores were given a one-year period to comply (requiring them to move from their current locations).

Children's Internet Protection Act - The federal government passed a law requiring filters on public computers in libraries and schools. Spokane Public Library has been asked to comply with all regulations.

Protecting Children from Material that is Harmful to Minors Bill - The Washington State House Judiciary Committee heard testimony supporting the prohibition of the display and distribution of pornography to children at convenience stores, video stores, and public libraries. The bill did not make it out of committee. We will not give up!

Penny Lancaster is director of Community Impact 2001. Click here for additional resources at the CI2001 web site.