GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Judy Rose took the Grand Rapids city commissioners seriously when they challenged her to raise at least $100,000 if she wanted them to crack down on strip clubs. Although $7,000 short of that total, Mayor George Heartwell has announced that adopting a tough new ordinance banning lewd behavior within adult businesses will be on the commission’s February 28 agenda.Rose, who is the president of Black Hills Neighborhood Citizens for a Better Community, joined forces with the Michigan Decency Council after the December challenge in order to protest and limit the activities that can take place within an all-nude nightclub that hopes to open in the area in the autumn.
Mark London, the owner of the proposed nightclub, has threatened to sue city commissioners on First Amendment grounds if they attempt to drive him from business or restrict his club’s activities.
Heartwell is fully aware that his actions will result in legal action, which is why the commission insisted that Rose raise defense fund money. “We know we’ve got a lawsuit on our hands as soon as we adopt it,” he observes, leaving no question as to the commission’s ultimate decision on the matter, which will be its latest attempt to battle adult businesses during the past four years. The city has previously has to pay the $125,000 legal bill generated by attempts to restrict the Velvet Touch Bookstore.
Rose claims that “several” donations of $1,000 and $5,000 have been promised to her group and that a $20,000 offer has been made, as well as a larger commitment made by an anonymous donor. Gary Glenn, president of the American Family Association of Michigan has offered to represent the city at no cost if it manages to pass an ordinance that is “legally defendable.” Mayor Heartwell has not yet responded to the offer.
The ordinance in question intends to outlaw total nudity and keep customers at least six-feet from performers, as well as restrict peep shows. City Attorney Philip Balkema has urged the commissioners to verify Rose’s funds before championing the ordinance.
