Missouri, Ashcrofts home, A porn friendly state ?

[sarettah]

Oh how I need to get my ass out of this place



Senator Wants To Change State's "Porn-Friendly" Image

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- In the eyes of one Missouri legislator, the show-me state needs to tone down its image -- as far as the adult entertainment industry is concerned.

"Travelers in our state are being sent a signal that Missouri is a porn-friendly state," said State Sen. Matt Bartle. To combat that, Bartle has sponsored a measure for a sin tax.

The proposal cleared the state Senate with little debate on Monday. The legislation needs another vote to move to the House.

Under the bill, tipping strippers would be illegal, as would any physical contact between exotic dancers and their customers. Total nudity would be banned, and no one under 21 could work in such businesses.

The legislation also would impose a $5 per customer charge for sexually oriented businesses, from strip clubs to adult bookstores, and a 20 percent tax on revenues. The provisions are similar to what casinos in the state already must pay.

Bartle, a Republican, said the restrictions and taxes are necessary to combat problems such as prostitution, juvenile delinquency and declining property values