Judge Won't Turn Off Vibrator Ban

The Indy Channel ^ | February 16, 2007 | AP

[Abathar]

Sex Toy Ban Has Wiggle Room Before Starting

The buzz in Alabama this week was over a vibrator ruling.

A federal appeals court ruled that the state's ban on sex toys is constitutional.

But the adult playthings won't be disappearing immediately. The state attorney general's office has agreed not to enforce the law pending further appeals.

The appeals court held that the state legislature could ban sex toy sales in the interest of preserving public morality. Sherri Williams, who owns the Pleasures adult toy shops in Huntsville and Decatur, is among those who challenged the law.

She said she's disappointed the court made it's ruling on Valentine's Day. The decision, dated Wednesday, was released Thursday.

[misterrob]

A federal appeals court ruled that the state's ban on sex toys is constitutional

On what grounds?

[Abathar]

I don't know, I am trying to figure out which amendment covers them.

[napscoordinator]

Whoever is wanting more government into our lives must have a stick up there butt. I mean come on. I am as conservative as the next, but if they want to order sex toys to enhance their marriage or for whatever else then I could care less. Does Alabama not have more important things to worry about. How about fixing their horrible education standards. Now that would be a start.

[isthisnickcool]

I bet O'Reilly covers this.

[USMCWife6869]

This whole support of the Nanny State is really becoming a disturbing reality. I see what's happening here. While the Democrats are focusing the general public on the war debate, the rest of the government is taking away small freedoms, one at a time. Sadly, I am guessing those on this panel that made this judgement probably consider themselves conservative. ::sigh::

[Abathar]

I completely agree. I know this got put in chat, but to be honest it has far reaching effects in other things as well.

[Niteranger68]

Meanwhile, cucumbers are still legal.

[Kryptonite]

The opinion can be read here.

Public morality remains a legitimate rational basis for the challenged legislation even after the Lawrence decision.

[#1CTYankee]

"Meanwhile, cucumbers are still legal"

LOL, so are zucchini.

[Yorlik803]

They can have my vibrator when they pry it from my COLD DEAD HANDS...
Signed....
H Clinton
Washington DC...

[misterrob]

I don't think I would want to meet the woman who knew anything about that...

[misterrob]

There is no constitutional right to sexual privacy? Hmm, tell me where it reads in the constitution where it says that Congress has the right to limit the behavior of consenting adults? It doesn't. It leaves it up to the states but again, why is it that the state has the right to dictate the private lives of its citizens when the actions are consenting and between adults?

This is one of those instances where the behaviors might be unattractive or over-the-top for some but giving the state that sort of power over people's lives is troubling.

[Tijeras_Slim]

I thought this thread would generate a bit more buzz.

[#1CTYankee]

Good one, you could add a few others including a guy from Massachusetts.

[#1CTYankee]

I don't think I would want to meet the woman who knew anything about that."

Now who doesn't want to meet Rosie?

[Hemingway's Ghost]

Here's a picture of the Hillary R. Clinton model vibrator:

[Kryptonite]

Read the decision. There is no fundamental right to sexual privacy. The SCOTUS declined to go that far in Lawrence.

As long as the legislation bears some relation to some legitimate end, it will be upheld. Here, the legitimate end is public morality. Kinda refreshing to see those two words again in a legal opinion.

[Monterrosa-24]

I don't think this law ever gets enforced except when large "Sex Toys" signs are posted on roadways. Years and years ago I remember Spencer Gifts at the mall had vibrators for sale.

[Kryptonite]

I believe you. It's like if a burglar really wants to get into a building - he'll find a way. People will still be able to get their toys, one way or another.