Here’s something different: two sex stories in the news in and around the holidays.

In a weekly IRC chat earlier today and a friend mentioned that Canada now had legalized group sex clubs AKA swinger clubs. These are places where singles and couples go and swap partners for sex. The first thing that went through my mind was: this was illegal? I can see laws about prostitution on the books and naturally keeping non-adults away from places like this, but am confused by laws making this type of activity between consenting adults legal?

Why? I’m trying to see what bothers people so much about this one. Hey, if you don’t like these places, don’t go to them. I can see zoning regulations perhaps to keep them out of being right next door to your house so you have loud moaning sounds keeping you up all night but that’s no different than the neighbors having some loud beer bash.

I’m not sure the courts should be spending time telling consenting adults when and where they can have sex with as long as it isn’t out in the middle of the street or other inappropriate or illegal venues (and somebody’s house or place of business organizing these parties doesn’t seem like an illegal venue to me). Also, it’s legal to go topless in certain parts of Canada, so I’m sort of surprised there wasn’t a more open mind about this up there.

Is there more to this story than what’s in the news? Something I’m missing here?

Apparently a raid had happened on a group sex meeting place alleging that it was a “bawdy house” (it’s ok, I had to look up what that was too) and this ended up in the courts. The cops were comparing this to some kind of prostitution ring. Seems like a leap of faith there.

I wonder if these group sex clubs are illegal in the US too? I don’t have a problem with having some sex-related laws on the books, it just seems like there are so many more important cases to spend court time on that this seems very, very, unimportant. Prioritize.

Prioritize.

Meanwhile, locally here in Seattle they are trying to pass legislation that will crack down on strip clubs by requiring women in lap dances to be fully clothed, more distance between dancers and patrons and require tip jars instead of direct tips. I’m pretty sure if patrons of these establishments have to use binoculars to view the naked performers it’s going to defeat the purpose of being close to the action. And patrons certainly aren’t going there for the over-priced sodas.

[snicker]

Can you just imagine the bouncers if these new laws go into effect?

“Hey, what’s that bulge in your pants?”
“Huh? Me? That’s my binoculars, see?”

Is it just a strange coincidence that these sex stories are flaming up around Christmas time? Right wing, left wing, chicken wing, whatever your political bent, just don’t waste court time on petty sex laws when there are real criminals out there to lock up. Go after the meth labs, pedophiles, murderers, maniacs, crazies, etc. Leave consenting adults wanting to view or have sex alone. Is this too much to ask in today’s society?

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