Sex Shop Stays Put

The city council was concerned. The parents and students of a local Christian high school were upset and wanted action. In the end, though, Medford, Ore. officials had to admit there wasn't much they could do to get rid of the newly-opened Castle Superstore, a large store that specialized in sex-related merchandise. \n A branch of Castle Superstore, a sex shop chain based in Arizona, opened its doors in early September, operating out of what had been a grocery store. Its shelves were brimming with sexual aids, provocative clothing, explicit books and videos. \n It was all too much to bear for the students, parents and teachers of nearby Cascade Christian High School. About 100 of them went to the regular council meeting on Oct. 1 to demand that something be done about the evil Castle and to prevent more such shops from springing up in Medford. \n At the meeting, council member Curt Bennett, proposed a 120-day moratorium on issuing business licenses to any sex-oriented store. The motion passed unanimously but it never was enforced. \n Gene Hart, city attorney, said the city really needed an ordinance prohibiting these kinds of stores. He wrote one, brought it to the next council meeting, but then conceded it probably was illegal. What's more, if someone successfully challenged it, the city could have to pay for damages and everyone's legal fees. \n Council member Linda Casey said she didn't care and the city should take its chances in court. The other members sent the issue back to the staff to come up with an ordinance that would not be declared illegal. The results disappointed about 50 students from the Christian high school who attended the second meeting. \n It won't be easy to get rid of adult businesses, said William Riggs, a member of the state supreme court who attended the council session. As long as the items sold are legal, the store is protected under state and federal constitutions, he said.