Introduction...

Freedom of Speech is one of the most fundamental principles upon which our Country was built. Introduced by the Founding Fathers in the First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution, it contains no ambiguity. Paid for in blood, by thousands of fellow Americans who fought and died so that future generations could possess, cherish, and pass this gift on, it has been vital to the past, present and future of our Great Nation. Yet, in present days it has become one of the most controversial issues and subjects for interpretation.

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Friday, February 15, 2008

Sex Toy Retail Ban Lifted: "Victory for American Freedom"

Yesterday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturneda Texas statute outlawing the sale of sex toys. The decision, which responds to Reliable Consultants Inc. (owner of eight Texan boutiques, including Dreamers and Le Rouge in Austin) having sued over the constitutionality of the law back in 2004, cited the 2003 overturning of a ban on same-sex intercourse as precedent. I spoke with Cloud Richards, the third generation of Richards to run Reliable Consultants, about the small step for man and marital aids.

How did Reliable Consultants start?
They started off as nightclubs and gentlemen's clubs and then it gravitated to take-home DVDs and novelty lingerie. The business had no on-site viewing due to the ban.

What exactly did the ban forbid in layman's terms?
The Texas sexual device law prevented the sale, not the ownership, of anything that was used for sexual stimulation.

What was your reaction to the ban being lifted?
I was very excited. I think it's two-fold. There are monetary reasons of course, but the other benefit is that it appears it'll take down the law in Mississippi. I think it's a victory for American freedom in a small way.

How is it going to affect your business?
It changes a couple of things: a lot of manufacturers and vendors wouldn't sell to Texas before for fear of the ban. That'll open up the market -- more stores being able to carry a full spectrum of novelties will improve our business. It'll bring Texas up to a more progressive standard.

What kinds of products are you going to start carrying now that the ban is lifted?
Come to our store and find out!

What are your best-sellers?
I'd rather not comment on that at the moment and make sure that the law continues. There's always a chance that it won't stick. They could appeal and go to the Supreme Court or ad hoc to all of the districts.

What would your grandfather say about the differences in terms of the social perception of sex and sex toys today versus when they started?
I think he would say that the general public is more accepting of the business, and that the persecution by the government is the same or even worse now. My guess as to why that is would be there's a growing difference in the opinion of the public and those that are in charge.


http://gridskipper.com/357099/sex-toy-retail-ban-lifted-victory-for-american-freedom

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