Beware Young Lovers of Sterling Heights Parks
Detroit News,
February 5, 1998
615 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48226
Fax 313-222-6417
Email: Letters@detnews.com
By Hawke Fracassa / The Detroit News
STERLING HEIGHTS--Some say police in this city want to ban romance in
the park.
But police insist they are asking for an ordinance that would target prostitutes and
same-sex solicitors, who for the last two years have used city parks.
Under the proposal, authorities could seize and sell the cars of people having sex in
them, as well as arrest anyone who asks another person for a date in a city park that
would lead to "any sexual activity."
The requested ordinance was criticized by a Detroit gay activist. "The police's
selective enforcement will be a way to harass gay people," said Jeff Montgomery of
the Triangle Foundation.
Councilman Jay Pollard said the proposed law harms teens. "If having sex in the
back seat is against the law, then everybody who makes out will be going to jail."
Resident Gerry Sieja agreed. "It's not obvious who's being targeted -- teens,
prostitutes or gays."
A council review is expected in about two weeks.
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