May 10 Civil Liberties Assn opposes Liquor Ban against Sex Party

The BC Civil Liberties Association calls "inappropriate and contrary to law" the ban on liquor sales at Sex Party events that feature erotic performance art.

In a letter to the Liquor Branch sent yesterday Civil Liberties president Jason Gratl says:" the activities at the Sex Party's proposed event involve explicitly political expression via artistic endeavours that create interaction between patrons and artists at what is akin to a political rally. As such, the event in its essence involves activities that are deserving of the highest protection as fundamental freedoms under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms..."

The Civil Liberties Association says the Liquor Branch provided "no demonstrable justification" for the decision other than to apply prohibitions regarding strippers and exotic dancers, yet the Sex Party event is "fundamentally different" than the entertainment provided by such entertainers.

The full text of the BC Civil Liberties letters is posted at: http://www.thesexparty.ca/miscellaneous/bccla-letter

The historic Sex Party event happens this Thursday May 12 at the Video In Studios, 1965 Main St Vancouver from 7.30-11.30pm. It will feature three of Vancouver's couples making love as part of an erotic art installation. nude photography demonstration, body painting, speeches by the Sex Party Candidates, a Tantric Clown, group massage, a festival of banned films and many other events. Tickets are $40 advance and $50 at the door, with a net cost below $20 after the tax rebate is applied.

For the BC Civil Liberties Association
Murray Mollard, Executive Director
B.C. Civil Liberties Association
550 - 1188 West Georgia Street ~ Vancouver, B.C. ~ Canada ~ V6E 4A2
(604) 687-2919 | info@bccla.org | www.bccla.org

For The Sex Party:
Jessie Wright
www.thesexparty.ca