MKE Vice Squad shuts down "Naked Boys Singing"; ACLU gets involved

[eyesroll]

A production of "Naked Boys Singing" (which is pretty much as it sounds) at the Gay Arts Center got shut down by the Milwaukee PD's vice squad due to a "licensing issue" (because, apparently, the vice squad handles licensing issues now) -- read, bitching by an anti-gay activist.

I have not seen the production, but I had good conversations with a cast member both on opening night and the weekend they were shut down, and it reeks of BS.

Tomorrow (Thursday), the ACLU and Gay Arts Center will be announcing possible legal action against the city for selective enforcement and discrimination.

Here's the background:
http://wit.com/dyskeptic/2005/08/19/naked_boys_singing_shut_down_alleged_lic

And an interview with a cast member (mp3):
http://wit.com/dyskeptic/2005/08/22/interview_with_milwaukee_naked_boys_sing

Cross-posted to Wisconsin and GLBT Issues groups.

[marmar]

1. Before I respond...

LET ME CELEBRATE MY 1,000th POST! :woohoo: :applause: :party: :toast: :bounce: :applause: :woohoo: :party: :bounce: :toast: :woohoo: :applause: :headbang: :D

But back to the post - Unfuckingbelievable! Here's an off-Broadway show that's been playing around the country and they have licensing problems? The anti-gay attacks aren't even disguised anymore. It's just blatant now.

[eyesroll]

2. There is, indeed, a license violation.

As I understand it, the Common Council passed a licensing rule for small theaters, then ajourned. The Gay Arts Center's license is pending, but the Common Council still isn't back in session.

Problem is, just about every small theater in the city's also in violation. Hence, selective enforcement.

Plus, there's that little bit about sending the vice squad. If it was a true licensing infraction, wouldn't they send someone on behalf of...oh, I don't know...the licensing department or whatever it's called here?

Congrats on 1000, BTW.

[sui generis]

3. It's a long, boring titillating (so to speak) presentation

of a bunch of naked guys singing

It's not erotic - it's not a striptease, it's b-o-r-i-n-g. I guess seeing a naked guy sing is absolutely scandalous to some people once they realize that simply everyone has a tallywhacker and they all mostly look the same, more or less.

What a pathetic bunch of puritans. IT'S JUST A WEENER. get over it. weener weener weener.