2008 Woodie Awards
Sexual decency laws mix religion with government
Amanda Fischer
Issue date: 11/10/05 Section: Opinion
I have a major beef with Matt Bartle and other law makers abusing their power and pushing their beliefs on other people. While it seems there are several areas available to elaborate on, one particularly stands out to me; attempting to pass laws that regulate what is considered "sexual decency."
There are those who believe any sexual behavior outside the sanctity of marriage needs to be stopped. (The John Waters film "A Dirty Shame" comes to mind). They say everything from the infamously famous birth control to watching strippers must be outlawed.
I don't have any problem with people feeling this way, although I thoroughly disagree. Remember, this is America, and everybody has the right to his/her own beliefs.
The problem occurs when these people feel their ways are the only right ways of living for everyone, then proceed to create laws confining everyone. Now, a lot of this seems to be based on religious beliefs, but I was under the impression there was supposed to be separation between religion and the government.
Let me throw some examples out there for you.
A few states created indecency laws that monetarily fine those who let their underwear show outside of their pants. Just picture all the girls you have seen in class who have thongs hanging out the back of their jeans when they sit down. That's a $50 fine.
And in Texas, lawmakers tried to prohibit "sexually suggestive" cheerleader dancing, an obvious violation of freedom of expression. Alabama and Mississippi have both outlawed sex toys from being sold.
Those are just minor laws, but still each one eats away at our rights.
I also have problems with the laws allowing pharmacists to deny patrons birth control because he or she does not agree with the concept. In my eyes, that person is in the wrong profession.
Going back to Bartle to bring the subject to home, Bartle has, and still is, trying to regulate adult stores and strip clubs to an unnecessary point. Obviously such places should not allow children and must have some restrictions to protect them. But why punish those of age by making them pay $5 just to step inside the door.
There are those who believe any sexual behavior outside the sanctity of marriage needs to be stopped. (The John Waters film "A Dirty Shame" comes to mind). They say everything from the infamously famous birth control to watching strippers must be outlawed.
I don't have any problem with people feeling this way, although I thoroughly disagree. Remember, this is America, and everybody has the right to his/her own beliefs.
The problem occurs when these people feel their ways are the only right ways of living for everyone, then proceed to create laws confining everyone. Now, a lot of this seems to be based on religious beliefs, but I was under the impression there was supposed to be separation between religion and the government.
Let me throw some examples out there for you.
A few states created indecency laws that monetarily fine those who let their underwear show outside of their pants. Just picture all the girls you have seen in class who have thongs hanging out the back of their jeans when they sit down. That's a $50 fine.
And in Texas, lawmakers tried to prohibit "sexually suggestive" cheerleader dancing, an obvious violation of freedom of expression. Alabama and Mississippi have both outlawed sex toys from being sold.
Those are just minor laws, but still each one eats away at our rights.
I also have problems with the laws allowing pharmacists to deny patrons birth control because he or she does not agree with the concept. In my eyes, that person is in the wrong profession.
Going back to Bartle to bring the subject to home, Bartle has, and still is, trying to regulate adult stores and strip clubs to an unnecessary point. Obviously such places should not allow children and must have some restrictions to protect them. But why punish those of age by making them pay $5 just to step inside the door.