Bill would make sale of sex toys illegal in South Carolina

AP ^ | 4/23/6 | Seanna Adcox

[Crackingham]

Lucy’s Love Shop employee Wanda Gillespie said she was flabbergasted that South Carolina’s Legislature is considering outlawing sex toys. But banning the sale of sex toys is actually quite common in some Southern states.

The South Carolina bill, proposed by Republican Rep. Ralph Davenport, would make it a felony to sell devices used primarily for sexual stimulation and allow law enforcement to seize sex toys from raided businesses.

"That would be the most terrible thing in the world," said Ms. Gillespie, an employee the Anderson shop. "That is just flabbergasting to me. We are supposed to be in a free country, and we’re supposed to be adults who can decide what want to do and don’t want to do in the privacy of our own homes."

Ms. Gillespie, 49, said she has worked in the store for nearly 20 years and has seen people from every walk of life, including "every Sunday churchgoers."

"I know of multiple marriages that sex toys have sold because some people need that. The people who are riding us (the adult novelty industry) so hard are probably at home buying it (sex toys and novelties) on the Internet. It’s ridiculous." The measure would add sex toys to the state’s obscenity laws, which already prohibit the dissemination and advertisement of obscene materials.

People convicted under obscenity laws face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

[ketelone]

Wow.. now the state legislates itself into your bedroom. Have these clowns nothing better to do?

[Salo]

Your argument only makes sense if the law was stating you had to buy sex toys when you didn't want them. If you don't want them, don't buy them. If you want them, there should be no prohibtion against buying them: like cigarettes, I suppose.

[upchuck]

After nine months of research and seven roads trips to check out the ambiance, I chose to retire to this wonderful state in September, 2003.

This is the first news that makes me wonder.

In the article, Ms. Gillespie says she's flabbergasted.

Me, I just wonder why some people think this is needed?

I was unaware the trafficking in and the use of sex toys was destroying South Carolina.

I'm just so ashamed. What shall I say when I'm asked what state I'm from?

PS to #12 above. Fantastic, targeted tag line :)

[Condor51]

Yo Ralphie you can't do this, It's unconstitutional.

U.S. Constitution:
Amendment II:

A sexually satisfied population, being necessary for the sanity of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Sex Toys, shall not be infringed.

Wait... I think I may have looked up the wrong U.S. Constitution. My reference was Hustler Magazine. I better double check this. Be back in a sec.....

;-)

[Mister Da]

Somebody needs to investigate Republican Rep. Ralph Davenport, 'cause his mind is in OUR bedrooms. Disgusting!

I can see it now: Black clad cops with machine guns, bursting into someone's house, shouting "drop the vibrator or we'll shoot".

Nanny statism at its finest.

I'll bet Ralph's wife has never had an orgasm. Poor woman!

[Taxman]

Thus creating a sex toy black market?

Wonder what the penalty will be for driving in SC with a loaded sex toy in your car?

ROFOL!

[PeteB570]

While the house burns Republicans fiddle with sex toys.

Geeeze.

[MineralMan]

Many bills are proposed. Not all of them pass. Perhaps this will be one of those that do not.

[ketelone]

Hahahah you said it... enforcement of this law is going to be a bit difficult...

"dispatch, we have a 969 in progress... description follows"

[robertpaulsen]

"Your argument only makes sense if the law was stating you had to buy sex toys when you didn't want them."

Your argument only makes sense if you think it would be OK to have a crack house next door to you, prostitutes walking up and down your sidewalk, and an OTB parlor across the street.

If you don't want them, don't buy them.

[robertpaulsen]

"What shall I say when I'm asked what state I'm from?"

Since "banning the sale of sex toys is actually quite common in some Southern states", then I would proudly tell people I'm from a Southern state that supports morals and decency and is a good place to raise children.

Or you could move. Your choice.

[Mr Ramsbotham]

On the bright side, produce markets would be bustling.

When zucchini is illegal, only criminals will have zucchini.

[Sam Cree]

Republican legislators, looking for ways to get votes for the Democrats.

[krb]

C and D cells too.

[MissEdie]

Yes, I agree. Hmm... I didn't know our state was a perfect place with no pressing problems, did you?

[Mister Da]

Sounds like the Taliban to me! Is Republican Rep. Ralph Davenport a muslim?

It sure sounds like a religious fanatic to me.

[smug]

Hmmmmm. . . guess that just leaves the rental market.

(((Wheeeew)))) That's disgustapatin.

[Perdogg]

unbelievable. If there were a company who started a distribution center of sex toy in SC the gov't would give them relocate there.

[Ryan Spock]

Now, the beauty of federalism is ... you can move to another state if this issue is that important to you!

While I disagree with this law as a general principle because it's heavy-handed nanny-statism, I agree with your comments because I do like the idea of states' rights.

The states should be able to regulate the moral and legal tone that represents the will of the people in those states -- including regulation of abortion, legalization of marijuana, etc.

If we're going to believe in a principle, we need to be consistent.

[soupcon]

I suspect the cucumber lobby has a hand in this...