Bristol, Rhode Island (WPRI) — A recent memo filed by lawyers in the town of Bristol reveals they are advising the town council not to revise the definition of “adult entertainment.”
Last month, resident Robert Botelho said: petition To the Council, “The act of entertaining by dancing, with or without music, or in a manner consistent with imitation of sexual acts or seduction, with or without physical contact with another person for entertainment purposes.” We request that the wording of the definition be broadened to include “acting”. Provide sexual stimulation or sexual gratification to see lawful adult pleasure inside or outside the facility. ”
A brewery in Bristol, which recently hosted a drag show, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Rhode Island have voted against the petition after hearing it will be presented to a town council meeting earlier this month.
In a letter to Bristol City Council, the ACLU said the petition “improperly targets LGBTQ+ people”.
ACLU Executive Director Stephen Brown also wrote that the proposed language would be “broad enough to have a footloose effect” and would result in tough regulation of all types of entertainment in Bristol.
At the March 1 meeting, Botelho claimed he filed the petition long before the drag show took place, and his request did not specifically mention the drag show.
“The idea that this is holding everything back [transgender] A sex show, this one isn’t,” he told aldermen on March 1.
Last week, the town’s assistant attorney, Amy Goins, sent Memorandum He told town councilors that the current definition of adult entertainment is “narrowly tailored and leaves little room.”
to infer the activities contained in this definition. ”
“By contrast, the wording suggested by Mr. Botelho contains the vague phrase ‘consistent with imitation of sexual acts or seduction,’” Goins added.
At a town council meeting on March 1, Goins said that Vice-Chairman Mary Parella defined the definition “perhaps to extend to the performance of the cheerleading team,” while Brown said that “a huge number of classical and contemporary Art performances will suddenly be considered adult entertainment.” It’s like dancing nude in a bar. ”
“We agree with this assertion and interpretation,” Goins wrote.
The final decision on whether to revise the definition rests with the council, but Goins advised against changing the proposed definition, Goins said.
“It is our opinion that Mr. Botelho’s proposed definition of adult entertainment is likely to be overruled by review courts in litigation,” Goins wrote. “In that case, the town would also have to pay the attorney’s fees.”
“Furthermore, it is our opinion that the current definition of adult entertainment in the zoning ordinance is sufficient to cover the traditional facilities sought by local governments.
Strictly limited,” she added.
The town council meets on Wednesday at 7:00 pm.
The meeting can be viewed on zoom, agenda It is listed as face-to-face participation only.
