San Francisco considers licensing 'sex clubs'

SAN FRANCISCO (CNN) -- San Francisco is flirting with the idea of regulating so-called sex clubs, where patrons go to congregate for sex, masturbation and voyeurism.

If the proposed legislation passes, San Francisco would be the first U.S. city to license the group sex clubs.

Tom Ammiano, a member of the city's governing Board of Supervisors, is working on legislation that would allow city permits to the clubs. The proposal, still in draft form, must be passed by the Board of Supervisors before it becomes law.

Sex clubs are large, open rooms where patrons -- primarily gays -- pay roughly $5 to $20 to engage or watch others engaging in various sexual activities. The clubs already exist in San Francisco but are unregulated.

"Usually you'll see a bunch of gentlemen walking around half- clothed looking for a good time," one man said. "There's sex. There's definite sex."

But he emphasized the clubs post signs requiring sex with condoms. Another patron said "lots of unsafe sex" occurs.

San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown told CNN affiliate KRON that the proposed legislation is aimed at telling club goers to engage in safe sex. He compared it to giving clean needles to drug addicts. (170K / AIFF or WAV sound)

"It's sending a message that says, 'If you are going to engage in conduct that we don't approve, at least do it in the least dangerous way to yourself'," Brown said

Under the proposed law, sex clubs would be required to provide condoms, lubricants, proper lighting and AIDS- prevention literature. The clubs would also be subject to regular inspections. Proponents say that if made into law, such legislation could cut down on the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors late this year or early 1997.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Related site:

• The San Francisco Board of Supervisors

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