Detroit (WWJ) -- Two proposed ordinances aiming to regulate Strip Clubs are stirring up some heated debate inside Detroit council chambers.
"Deplorable" and "reprehensible" are the words used by councilman Ken Cockrel in describing his colleague Shiela Cockrel’s decision to walk out of council chambers Friday, preventing the council from voting on two measures to regulate adult entertainment in the city.
“Clearly she has an issue with the ordinance. But if you have a problem with the ordinance, the thing to come to the table and do is try either to push for an amendment, which satisfies your concern, or vote no on it,” Ken Cockrel said.
“That’s what you’re elected to do, and that’s what you are paid to do,” he said.
One of the more controversial sections: a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol at the clubs. In addition, dancers would be required to wear pasties and stay a certain distance from customers.
Council Friday heard from scores of dancers and club owners who oppose the regulations. Dancer Samantha Gap says the ordinances will drive her, and many others, to the unemployment line.
"I was a legal secretary before I did this," Gap said. "Moving here, I couldn't find a job, and I still can't... It's just an issue of surviving, and trying to do it in a way that is acceptable to me. It may not be acceptable to other people, but -- just like I think with everything -- if you don't like it, steer yourself away from it," she said.
Members of the religious community attended Friday's meeting as well, speaking in favor of the ordinances.
Perfecting Church Pastor, Marvin Winans, offered his support, "It'll move Detroit in the right direction, and stop the proliferation of these clubs in our neighborhoods, he said.
Council could not take action to either pass or vote down the regulations, however, because it lacked a quorum – meaning the number of members required to take a vote.
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