Crime & Safety
Woman Sues Sandy Springs Over Sex Toy Ordinance
The city's ordinance that requires people to have a scientific or medical reasons or a prescription to purchase any sexual device is coming under fire.
While many national retailers from CVS to Walgreens and Walmart sell vibrators and other sex toys in plain view, the city of Sandy Springs has enacted a law that some legal experts say would require a doctor's prescription to purchase such a device.
Kennesaw resident Melissa Davenport, along with her attorney Gerry Weber, are suing the city over the law, which requires people to have a scientific or medical reason or a prescription to purchase any sexual device, according to WSB-TV.
Vibrators can be seen at many mainstream stores next to condoms on the shelf, according to a 2012 USA Today article. CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Safeway, Target and Walmart are among major national chains that now include vibrators on store shelves. These devices (also known as personal massagers or vibes) have been around a long time, but their availability on the mass market is relatively new.
The Sandy Springs ordinance in question prohibits the selling of sexual devices unless the customers have a bona fide medical, scientific, educational, legislative, judicial or law enforcement purpose, says WSB. Experts construe that to mean if you have a doctor’s prescription, or some kind of proof the device is being used for one of those purposes.
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"The ordinance basically says the government can stick its nose in your bedroom and say you can use this but not that,” Weber told the TV station.
Davenport, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, told the news station the central nervous system disorder interferes with the nerve pathways traveling to her reproductive organs, thus limiting her ability to have a healthy intimate life with her partner.Sandy Springs ordinance 38-120(c)(d) labels devices that are used to primarily stimulate one's sexual organs as obscene and the "selling, renting, or leasing the material" of devices can only be done for "bona fide medical, scientific, educational, legislative, judicial or law enforcement purpose."
Weber argues the ordinance violates the due process clause of the 14th amendment, which guarantees a citizen's right to privacy, the story said. Davenport added she isn't seeking money, but wants the law to be ruled unconstitutional.
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