The results are in on two adult entertainment laws which were put before voters in Yellowstone County. An obscenity ordinance, which could have created problems for adult businesses, was voted down. Voters did, however, approve amendments to county zoning regulations, creating new rules for sexually oriented businesses, including exotic dance clubs, according to a recently published report.
The new regulations will probably not cause much initial hardship for adult businesses, because existing clubs and stores are grandfathered in under the old rules. Also, the ordinance does not apply to Billings, which is in Yellowstone County but not subject to County regulations. Therefore, only a very few rural adult businesses are involved.
Montanans are considered “red” state voters in many respects, but also have a reputation for following the Code of the West: Live and let live.
The turnout was in above average numbers. A news team from KULR, Channel 6, in Billings, polled some voters. Most said they were interested in the obscenity ordinance. Voters rejected the obscenity ordinance by a 56 to 44 percent margin, with 15,314 voting no and 12,064 in favor. The sexually oriented business ordinance was approved by a very slim 425-vote margin, with 13,612 in favor, 13,187 opposed.
Vote tallies for precinct 1 and precinct 6 were of particular interest because the area involved is around the site of Planet Lockwood, an exotic dance club that has been the focus of much controversy. An article in The Billings Gazette said that a majority of people who voted at Lockwood School, about a mile from Planet Lockwood, didn't see a need for the ordinances. Voters in Precinct 1 opposed the zoning ordinance by a 33-30 margin. In Precinct 6, the ordinance failed by a 683-566 margin.
The article concluded by saying that the obscenity ordinance, which failed countywide, also failed in both precincts located at Lockwood School. Voters in Precinct 1 rejected the measure, 34-28, and voters in Precinct 6 rejected it by a 754-535 margin.
