TEXAS WOMAN FACING MISDEMEANOR CHARGE OF SELLING SEX TOYS VOWS TO FIGHT

Joanne Webb intended to spice up marriages and earn extra cash by selling erotic toys.

Instead, the former fifth-grade teacher and executive board member of the Burleson Chamber of Commerce faces criminal charges and embarrassment after a police sting.

"It's ludicrous to think that the government can step into our bedrooms," said Webb, who has been married 20 years and has three children.

Webb was one of 3,000 consultants for Passion Parties, a San Francisco-based company whose representatives set up Tupperware-type parties for women who feel more comfortable buying marital aids in a private home than at an adult bookstore or on the Internet.

"We're doing a wonderful service, and we're not doing anything wrong," company President Pat Davis said.

A consultant since June and the first Passion Parties' consultant charged with obscenity in the company's 10-year history, Webb was charged with a misdemeanor under the state's obscenity law.

Adult stores sell sex toys around the law by posting signs that say "sold only as novelties." Webb didn't do that and faces up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine if convicted.

Her attorney, BeAnn Sisemore, planned to file a motion Tuesday to dismiss the case on grounds the law violates someone's right to own a sexual device, which is not illegal.

Webb has taken a leave of absence from the chamber of commerce until the case is settled. She declined to say Monday if she plans to keep hosting parties.

"These devices that I sell are marital aids, and I want to help couples stay together," Webb said.

The following letter was sent to the Cleburne City Manager as well as the local Cleburne Times newspaper editor.

Dear Ms Doty:

RE: Cleburne City Manager, Mayor, Chief of Police et al concerned

IN THE NEWS: A Texas housewife is in big trouble with the law for selling a vibrator to a pair of undercover cops, and the Brisbane vibrator company she works for says Texas is an "antiquated place'' with more than its share of "prudes.''

As a very right-wing conservative and ex Dallas police officer, even I have to agree with the above. Not only do the police have better things to do, but since when is selling adult personal products a crime?? If it is, it's a pretty darned ridiculous one. I know officers couldn't do something this STUPID of their own free will, ESPECIALLY since it uses resources and money, so I will speculate that some idiotic County DA, Chief of Police or Mayor came up with this one, perhaps at the request of the town's most influential Baptist? Sounds to me like someone conducting personal business at the expense of the police department. I'll need to rummage through the Penal Code; it seems like there IS a law against that!

Nothing personal, but congratulations on becoming the laughing stock of Texas towns.

I'll think of this everytime I drive to Cleburne...and will be sure I do NOT stop at any businesses on my way through.

Sheesh.....

Name Withheld on FR (Fort Worth) - ex Dallas PD

Without going into any personal details, I find this just ridiculous! I have been to about three of these parties over the years and they are fun. These parties make it easy for women to buy items for them and their partners that they would be way too embarassed to go into a "toy store" for. It's safe, it's fun, it's convenient. When I think of all the filth we watch on T.V. this story just makes me fume. But.....I sure hope it helps her gain some free publicity for her business!!

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