CARNAL NATION

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is taking a stand to support the opening of the Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health in Rhode Island. A zoning officer from the city has blocked the business from opening in a Main Street building on the grounds that it violates the building’s zoning use because of its educational nature. But The Providence Journal reports that other educational businesses are located in the building, including a chess club.

“The ACLU says the decision raises serious constitutional concerns because the city’s director of administration, Harvey Goulet, was quoted in news reports saying that it is not a business the city is interested in and is not appropriate.”

The city supposedly received a letter of complaint prior to the Center’s opening that erroneously suggested that the business would involve overt sexual activity on the premises. However, city officials insist that their decision was based solely on zoning laws that classify the building for residential and commercial use. This may include personal service, business service, office uses, entertainment, amusement and recreation by special permit, but not education.

The Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health describes itself as “the first sex-positive, non-profit sexual resource center to open in New England. The Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health provides a physical location for people to receive sexuality information and campaign for sexual justice issues.” Their grand opening event was moved to an alternative location and they have filed an appeal to fight the zoning ruling which will be heard later this month.