Subscribe
Shop Local
Magazine
Gas Prices
Today's Poll!Adult business ordinance walks fine line between regulation, First Amendment
Jan Kruse and Julie Ruenger discuss their protest of Cirilla’s on June 28 with a Jefferson City police officer. The two are among those who spoke at last week’s City Council meeting, complaining about the business and asking officials to remove it. Photo by Kelley McCall.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Some residents who oppose Cirilla’s, a new store in Jefferson City, have questioned how the city could give a business license to a store that sells sex toys and X-rated movies, among other things.
The answer lies in a chapter of City Code that was enacted by the City Council in 1996.
Before 1996, Jefferson City and other cities regulated strip clubs through liquor licenses, but then the concept of “juice bars” began to ....
Marry Me
Comments
JCLifer 1 year, 10 months ago
The answer is to get rid of all these business-restricting regulations and ordinances.
If you want the town to grow, and you want young people to want to live here, you have got to stop all the business restrictions and let the free market economy decide what the people want.
This overbearing busybody prudish puritanical town is quickly going down the toilet due to a few uptight busybodies who think they have to control everyone else's behavior.
wcywing 1 year, 10 months ago
Like the smoking ban?
gofish 1 year, 10 months ago
Really ladies? Really City Council? A moral majority of TWO??? God help all of you when the ACLU steps in to enforce the US Constitution. God help the taxpayers of Jeff CIty who will foot the bill for a losing proposition. You ladies need to move to Branson. There is a starring role awaiting you at the Silver Dollar Saloon.
jcmom69 1 year, 10 months ago
This is so pathetic! I am about ready to start making signs of my own and recruiting and show these women what a real protest is..
jcmom69 1 year, 10 months ago
more than just 2 judgmental women.....
3blindmice 1 year, 10 months ago
perhaps jefferson city isn't growing because of it's "conservative interest".
JMO 1 year, 10 months ago
Am I missing something? I read this story and all it said was that these annoying women asked the city council to change the ordinance - not that the city is planning on it, or even considering it. If the city decides to amend the ordinance, that's news. That these people want it amended to make the rest of the community come into line with their silly puritanical beliefs; that we already knew.
tonto 1 year, 10 months ago
I think you have summarized the situation pretty well. These women have supporters and detractors and all of the supporters and detractors are opinionated. I have even expressed an opinion on this issue.
publicus67 1 year, 10 months ago
They really need a bigger crowd. Maybe if they got some inflatable dolls...
hudson 1 year, 10 months ago
We need more laws!more taxes!more goverment!more jails!more police!SEIG HEIL!
nitrohype 1 year, 10 months ago
I would just like to know if the new mayor watches these posts at least weekly and see's how un-happy his citizens are. Maybe he needs to speak out about the overall topic here is that Jefferson City is still in the 1900's time era and what his plans are to move up into the 2000's. Maybe we need to bring up a vote to annex again, except this time let's vote to have columbia annex Jefferson City. Please mayor speak up.
readmore 1 year, 10 months ago
gee, how do people stay in relationships without sex aids? and what about those of us who are in love with our vibrators, love dolls, fill in your own blank? how silly and prudish. did yall know we have a black president? the times, they are a changin. how bout changin with the times? please? LEGALIZE MARIJUANA. I vow to include that phrase in every post from now until it happens. Legalize sex toys. make it fun. how would you like to have a fully endowed kitchen except for running water? that's kind of like not having a sex "idea" store. How bout WE B Smokin selling sexy stuff? kill 2 with one stone.
Mr_Grimm 1 year, 10 months ago
WHY is the news tribune even giving these women the TIME OF DAY? if they read their own board they would see that MORE people support the NEW BUSINESS than dislike it. PLEASE, dont show these women or write about them, let them fade away so the people employed there can go on with their lives. i welcome the store, was there on Sat. to be exact and i hope it expands!
asb 1 year, 10 months ago
The NT reads these threads, and sees interest$$
jcmom69 1 year, 10 months ago
first the city agrees that this store does not meet the criteria for a Pn shop, now it it walks a fine line? Is this incompetence or just trying to put a lid on negative media? Either way it is not right...Come on Struemph, Tell these women to step off and find another hobby.
jcmom69 1 year, 10 months ago
I must say.. I find it rather off that the officer in the car of the original article and this officer both appear to have a shaved head, as well as if you look closely both women appear to have the same outfits on.. Hmmm..Were the two photos taken the same day? If not, then I smell something fishy and it is not coming out of Cirilla's...
online_editor 1 year, 10 months ago
You're right. That was my stupid mistake. The original caption of the photo had a reference to "Tuesday" in it, which I removed because merely stating the day of the week is an outdated reference at this time. However, now that you've pointed out what I should have recognized in the first place, I realize that it's no longer clear that this photo was from the original protest, that I should have updated that time reference to June 28. I'm fixing the caption to reflect that. Thank you for pointing it out. --Rick Brown, online editor, News Tribune
jcmom69 1 year, 10 months ago
I apologize, sometimes I get a little carried away looking at details, however I thank you for clearing my confusion up;-)
coolmom 1 year, 10 months ago
I'm not a prude by any means, and can't say I've never been to one of these places to purchase gag gifts for a shower, but the hypocrisy of previous posters astounds me! The same Constitutional protection that allows this shop to exist is the same protection these ladies have to express their point of view. I doubt if any of you would be willing to defend this place before City Council, TV, and newspapers if it meant constant ridicule, and loss of friends, respect of co-workers and even your job!! Perhaps if more people stood up for decency and morality, this world would be a better place. Look at your politicians for example...case and point!! And ladies...if you need plastic devices, videos or magazines to enhance your sexual experience, your man either doesn't have enough under the hood or he doesn't know how to use it!! Nothing would even come close to what I already get from my man!
jcmom69 1 year, 10 months ago
it's not a matter of "needing" these things.. It's a matter of what some view as Immoral and indecent.. Just as one previous poster admitted them same as you, there is no basis to the demeaning of the shop when the ones who are against it have not stepped foot inside. Though I have no doubt those ones would find something they didn't approve of, the fact remains that all of the things in there can be found at many locations. And I believe that if anyone knows the chance of constant ridicule and loss of friends and jobs, would be the owners of the store.. Not 2 women holding silly signs and a handful of posters.
gofish 1 year, 10 months ago
Priceless!
coolmom 1 year, 10 months ago
BTW...still waitng to see if anyone would volunteer to defend this place in front of City Council, the Mayor, TV, newspapers, at the expense of losing everything.........Any volunteers?????
JMO 1 year, 10 months ago
Just what makes you think these women are in danger of losing anything? I gladly defend this businss...both here and to everyone who knows me. Had I known about the council meeting, I might well have attended. But then again, I assume the city attorney is smart enough to know they can't shut down a perfectly legal business.
coolmom 1 year, 10 months ago
Dear JMO, I happen to know that this has actually happened to one or both of these women. Let's see you do the same in defense of this place!!!! I dare you!!!! I'm not saying this place is the anti- Christ, but sticking up for your beliefs should not be vilified. Come on all you so-called Christians!!!!! If you truly believe in the 2nd coming, would you want Him in you find you in Ciralla"s????
JMO 1 year, 10 months ago
As I am a married woman and faithful to my husband and anything I buy there would be used with the man I deeply love, I can't imagine that God could care less if I were there if the time comes. And if He would, He's not the God I care to believe in. I'm quite sorry for this lady if she has, in fact, lost everything. If she's lost her job, she hopefully has some recourse. If she's lost her friends, she apparently didn't have any true friends to begin with, more's the pity, because a true friend supports you, even if they don't agree with you. But if she's been held up to ridicule - well, can't feel too badly about that because I do, in fact, believe this "cause" is ridiculous.
tonto 1 year, 10 months ago
It is fairly common knowledge in this small town that one of those women has a personal history. Blaming her past problems on the kind of stuff you would find in a gift shop like that is silly. Using her to justify closing a legitimate business is shameful.
We should not make a scapegoat of this store, especially since the same types of merchandise are available in other stores in town. If we should close it, we should also close down all the gas stations and convenience stores, Wal-Mart, Target, Penney's, Dillards, and the Victoria's Secret store at the mall. Then what? Where would we buy gas, and cheap Chinese-made merchandise, and clothes?
Hint: the relevant federal court case is Griswold vs Connecticut.
tonto 1 year, 10 months ago
Griswold vs. Connecticut has never been successfully challenged.
JMO 1 year, 10 months ago
Really Tonto, didn't you know? If she doesn't agree with it, the person who said it hates America, is tyranical and has caused us to sink into depravity.
xhepera 1 year, 10 months ago
To which I would say, "Come on, all you so-called Christians! Why are you not out caring for the sick and feeding the hungry. If you truly believe in the Second Coming would you want Him to find you not honoring his actual teachings but, instead, massaging your self-righteous-casting-the-first-stone-neurotic and dysfunctional-egos?"
tonto 1 year, 10 months ago
I think they have found casting stones a lot more stimulating, if you know what I mean.
tonto 1 year, 10 months ago
I tell you what - get out your red letter edition bible and start counting the topics that Jesus actually talked about. Your "soul" won't make the top five.
jcmom69 1 year, 10 months ago
yes indeed and one needs to feed the soul Grace.. this isn't just a literal term ya know...
coolmom 1 year, 10 months ago
Sorry, I forgot to mention one thing. I know I fall far short of perfect, but the people that are claiming to be TRUE Cristians and defend this place.....WWJD??? Think about it......
JMO 1 year, 10 months ago
Does "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone" come to mind? I am a Christian. There is nothing wrong with "this place." And in response to an earlier post - I also defend the rights of these ladies to protest. They have every right to be as narrow-minded and holier-than-thou as they please. And I have the right to say as much.
JMO 1 year, 10 months ago
My first reaction was to be very offended that you would call me a liar. However, I let myself calm down before answering. You appear to think that, because I take "judge not" to heart, I am somehow lacking-which in my mind shows that you, not I, are the one who isn't listening closely enough to the teachings of Jesus. Clearly, you and I have different definitions of Christian. And I frankly, will NEVER want to be anything like YOUR definition.
JMO 1 year, 10 months ago
And before you jump on my for "judging" these ladies - I'm really not. Do I think they're being ridiculous and narrow-minded? Yes. I'm entitled to that opinion just like they're entitled to theirs. There's a very big difference between saying that and saying that people who shop in this store are sinning or that the buisness should not be allowed to operate because it's "bad" or "sinful".
jcmom69 1 year, 10 months ago
the accusations here are based on fact Grace... these ladies are silly and narrow minded.. This conclusion was based upon their public display of false propaganda and assumptions that this store and the ones who enter are immoral which is very judgmental and completely invalid..
JMO 1 year, 10 months ago
What part of "before you jump on me" did you not get? I explained the difference. I don't condemn them for their views. I don't call them sinners. I think they're stupid...not evil. And I certainly don't claim to know what God thinks of their actions.
tonto 1 year, 10 months ago
Claiming to be a Christian does not give you the right to proclaim everything that Christians should believe. Based on your history of comments here, your claim to be a Christian is suspect.
jcmom69 1 year, 10 months ago
WWJD?? well, how would you know what he would do? Did you ask him? When he answers please let us know....
JCLifer 1 year, 10 months ago
AMEN!
He would want us to have fun and enjoy our lives too!
tonto 1 year, 10 months ago
Sorry, that particular "straight and narrow" reference is about loyalties and priorities; it was never about anyone's level of sinfulness as judged by the local prudes. The best comparable illustration is the rich young man who was without sin under the very strict law of the Pharisees, but could not give up his money to follow Jesus. He was going to be denied access to the kingdom of heaven because of his loyalty to money.
Gabrielle 1 year, 10 months ago
Seriously tonto, will you elaborate a little more on this? I always enjoy a good Bible lesson.
tonto 1 year, 10 months ago
This is probably not the right place for such a thing, but to start you would read Matthew 19:15-29, Mark 10:17-22, and Luke 18:18-23 and note the similarities and differences in the story telling. Also note that important lessons are told more than once. The rich young ruler was proud of himself, his purity, and his possessions. Therefore, to take that one last step to salvation he was required to humble himself. Humility is a hard thing for all of us.
tonto 1 year, 10 months ago
Wrong path, wrong gate. Read the whole chapter, please. Your quote is there, but must be read in context. Pulling a few words out on their own and trying to apply another meaning to them is not a good way to go.
online_editor 1 year, 10 months ago
I removed a couple of comments for treading on the fine line of being inappropriate. I realize the subject necessitates drawing some distinctions to make one's point about the issue, and it is, like the legal issue itself, somewhat arbitrary about what's appropriate and what's not, but if yours was one of the removed comments, try staying away from or toning down any suggestive personal descriptions and focus on the underlying public issues. Thanks. --Rick Brown, online editor, News Tribune
3blindmice 1 year, 10 months ago
I noticed. for a minute I thought I was on topix
coolmom 1 year, 10 months ago
Still waiting for wolunteers to appear before the City Council and ALL of the surrounding media to suppot their right to shop here.......haven't heard a thing yet....!!!
3DMom 1 year, 10 months ago
I'll be more than happy to come to the next council meeting if this is still being debated but I'm hopeful that the people sitting on the council will close the matter completely and stop giving these women so much attention. I have no problem at all speaking at the meeting or being interviewed for the media.
jcmom69 1 year, 10 months ago
same here..I would gladly speak up..Do you make a phone call to set it up or just show up on the doorstep?
xhepera 1 year, 10 months ago
No need to appear before the Council to defend this establishment. the Council appear to have their heads on straight and are satisfied with the legality of said business. Besides, not all of us are attention junkies (I'd like to use another word but it would be censored, even if it IS in the Bible) or feel we need to beat people over the head with our personal religious views OR use religion to bolster and advertise our neuroses. For some of us, "taste" is still a quality to be admired. It's in very poor taste to parade one's dysfunctions in public and blame others for our shortcomings. Cirilla's is tasteful. These "ladies" are not.
jcmom69 1 year, 10 months ago
I cannot believe the so called "Christians" are defending the rights of the stone casters.. We all have voiced our opinions and have our views on the subject.. Just seems odd that even the happily married couples that shop here like myself are ACCUSED of being immoral when in fact you people throwing judgements are the ones who clearly are not as moral as you wish us to believe. The way you throw around judgements and make silly statements and use words totally irrelevant and to the poster above who said something to the effect of if women need to shop here then our men must not doing enough at home..GROW UP.. even the best lovers and that includes "Christians" can learn more and enjoy experimentation..if a normal routine is what you like and it works for you, that is great, but how dare you put people down and throw out stupidity as to assume people only shop at these stores cause their partners are not good enough..and you call yourself a Christian??
JCLifer 1 year, 10 months ago
Nothing sinful about making love. God gave lovemaking to us as a gift to help us enjoy life and each other.
Prudes in this town need to get a life and keep their misery to themselves.
dazy1961 1 year, 10 months ago
Promiscuous? Two consenting adults who want to enhance their intimacy visit this store for something special? Someone wanting to explore their own sexuality find just the right "goodie"? A sexy outfit to spice up the bedroom? A cute card for the one you love? Oh, yeah...that's sex gone wild! I feel like a floozy just writing these words. Save me!
Gabrielle 1 year, 10 months ago
Geez and gee whiz. I think it a good idea to clarify somethings here. For starters, freedictionary.com says: pro·mis·cu·ous (pr-msky-s) adj. 1. Having casual sexual relations frequently with different partners; indiscriminate in the choice of sexual partners. 2. Lacking standards of selection; indiscriminate. 3. Casual; random. 4. Consisting of diverse, unrelated parts or individuals; confused: "Throngs promiscuous strew the level green" (Alexander Pope).
[From Latin prmiscuus, possessed equally : pr-, intensive pref.; see pro-1 + miscre, to mix; see meik- in Indo-European roots.] This is very different from a commited 'couple'. Either may shop at this legal establishment with or without the above identified 'body parts'. I would even guess that promiscuity or commited relationship are not requirements to shop here. Yes?
TraceyT 1 year, 10 months ago
Places like Cirilla's does encourage promiscuity. Like car dealerships encourage speeding and reckless driving, while hospitals and Doctors encourage abuse of prescription drugs.
jcmom69 1 year, 10 months ago
so could your local produce isle Grace... point being that if you honestly feel that Cirilla's promotes promiscuity then you must think the same for Victoria's Secret and the Trojan manufacturer.. While it is good to practice safe sex, condoms can also be though of a portal to engage sex with multiple partners..If you have ever purchased a condom you are being a hypocrite, and if you have ever bought sexy lingerie you are also being a hypocrite as both of these items no matter where they are purchased "could" be thought of as encouraging promiscuity.
jcmom69 1 year, 10 months ago
that's the same as saying grocery stores and restaurants promote obesity, liquor stores promote alcoholism....It's called holding yourself responsible and knowing your limits, getting to know what your body is ok with and what is it not..I can drink a beer, but try and get me to drink tequila won't happen.. Why? I tried it and didn't like it and neither did my body...You have to try new things to know...Ever tried a new food and your mouth just watered at how good it tasted?? Ever ate something new and so horrible you couldn't even swallow it and had to wrap it up in a napkin and throw it away? It is the same for sex Grace.. If you limit yourself to one kind of anything, you have no idea on what things you may or may not enjoy..You have to experiment with certain sexual ideas just like with new entrees....
Gabrielle 1 year, 10 months ago
Oh Grace, I wouldn't say that. I am of the opinion people make their own choices based on whatever they deem important.
january 1 year, 10 months ago
I think it would be difficult to argue that one should be able to shop anywhere and enjoy their sex life how they please without interference and being denounced while at the same time calling those who decide not to use condoms irresponsible and ignorant.
Gabrielle 1 year, 10 months ago
This really begs the question as to what defines a 'Christian'. No doubt, the women in the picture likely call themselves 'Christian' and it sounds like many posting here probably do too. Either we don't know what a 'Christian' is or the term is very broad. One thing for sure - America is beautiful! Look what we can do - protest businesses, post comments on a website and open a business with 'controversial' products. Gosh, America you are just great!
Gabrielle 1 year, 10 months ago
What does 'Republcan' have to do with it?
tonto 1 year, 10 months ago
I am sure you are aware that "hot" and "not" are in people's minds and attitudes. Based on that standard, those two women are both in the "not" category. They are trolls. Miss America herself, parading around in her evening gown and tiara to attract attention to a new gift shop that she doesn't approve of, would not be attractive in the "hot" sense of the word.
Gabrielle 1 year, 10 months ago
What are you referring to - surely not her physical appearance?
jcmom69 1 year, 10 months ago
Funny thing today.... I went into the Walmart gas station today, and when I approached to pay for my items, I couldn't help but giggle aloud.. The cashier asked me what was so funny, and I pointed to the little glass case on the counter where inside were glass pipes and other paraphernalia...she smiled and said we are only allowed to sell them on the "pretense" that they are for tobacco use.. again I laughed and haven't really stopped..Now this is something that these women could focus on...(better hurry though before marijuanna is legalized) Guess we could all just say Cirilla's is operating under the "pretense" of gift giving;-)
Gabrielle 1 year, 10 months ago
Oh good! Another good Bible lesson. I knew Jesus was hung with two men. I didn't know one of them was a prostitute. Thanks, Chickadee. It is important to me that we get the history stories right!
Gabrielle 1 year, 10 months ago
Yes, she sure did. thanks for clearing up the misinterpretation. I can't help but to just laugh at it!
Gabrielle 1 year, 10 months ago
lol! Did you mean 'hung' like 'associated with' when you said 'Jesus hung with a prostitute'?
3bunnies 1 year, 10 months ago
As an American I was born, breed and corn fed. I also have the same rights as the two ladies protesting this store. My American rights allow me to shop where i want, and buy what i choose. The difference is I do not shove my beliefs down others throats. NO PUN INTENDED. GO Cirilla's Stand your ground....We Will Keep Shoping There.
jcmom69 1 year, 10 months ago
demand??? we expect to be able to shop where we choose.. It is a choice.. it is you and others that think like you that are the ones who are "demanding" that peoples choices are taken away..
Commenting has been disabled for this item.