BOISE, ID – Police issued citations on Monday to three dancers at the Erotic City Gentleman’s Club in Boise, Idaho for violations of the city nudity law. Erotic City owner Chris Teague said the citations were a violation of the dancers’ civil rights, and an “insult to the patrons.”“Art Night” has been suspended until the matter is settled in court, but Teague is prepared to fight the whole way.
The city of Boise’s laws on nudity are specific and allow displays of full nudity for “serious artistic expression” only.
The Idaho strip club had attempted to get around the law by creating “Art Night” and handing out sketch pads and pencils to patrons and encouraging them to draw the dancers as they performed in the nude.
Officials in Boise concluded that the club’s patrons were not focused on art. “The case is being reviewed by the Boise city attorney for the possibility of future citations,” said police spokeswoman Lynn Hightower.
Since the story broke, there’s been an outpouring of support and even a hot topic of discussion on shock-jock Howard Stern’s radio show, said Teague.
“Lots of individuals have come out in support,” he added. “People are supporting us right out of their own pockets, we got lots of calls Tuesday from people around the country wanting to support us – financially support us.”
Teague is ready to take the battle all the way to the country’s highest court. “They’re in for a big fight,” said Teague, “probably the biggest fight Boise, Idaho has ever seen.”
The city attorney on the case alleged the law is on their side. “We’ve tried to gain voluntary compliance and we haven’t been able to,” said Assistant City Attorney Alison Tate, “so we’re committed to going forward with the criminal process at this point.”
The city believes its case is strong because what’s happening on ‘Art Night’ at the strip club is not art, according to the law. But at Erotic City, at least, that definition may be open to interpretation.
Tate said Teague has not yet been charged with any crime but added that he will likely be charged in the next few days for aiding and abetting.
