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Republic Phoenix sex clubs fight back
Go Owners file claim for $15 million after last week's raids and
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By Dennis Wagner • AZ Neighbors
The Arizona Republic
Sunday Sections Sept. 28, 2002 02:16 AM
A&E
Jobs AZ
Travel Claiming their constitutional
Viewpoints rights were violated by police
raids, owners of two Phoenix sex
Feature Sections
clubs filed a $15 million claim
AZ Home against the city Friday and
Good Life
Preview defended their patrons' rights to
Wheels
express the swinger philosophy.
Local Sections Christine Keith/The Arizona Republic
Ahwatukee Nicholas Hentoff, a lawyer for Club Chameleon has about 10 theme bedrooms that can be
Chandler Club Chameleon and Encounters, used privately or opened for voyeurs to watch through
Tempe said 30 police officers wearing windows. The club's owner, Milo Fencl, said police raids on
Mesa his club have increased publicity and attracted new clients.
Gilbert bulletproof vests swept down on
North East Valley
Scottsdale the clubs Sept. 20, conducted "unlawful, warrantless searches" and arrested managers
North Scottsdale for misdemeanor citations akin to walking a dog without a license.
Sun Cities / Surprise
Glendale / Peoria
North Phoenix "They not only did an assault on the clubs," Hentoff said, "they also assaulted the
Central Phoenix
South West Valley Constitution of the United States."
During a Friday news conference at Club Chameleon, owner Milo Fencl and Frank
Magarelli, proprietor of Encounters, said Hays and police targeted their businesses in
retaliation for legal challenges. They are mounting a national legal defense fund and
had talked of starting an initiative campaign to overturn Phoenix's ordinance.
Hentoff, who referred to Hays as the city's "director of homeland morality," claimed
Phoenix wasted thousands of taxpayer dollars to make improper arrests over
misdemeanors.
In a letter to Hays, Hentoff threatened slander lawsuits against officials who insinuate
that sex clubs are unclean or unhealthy, and he complained of selective enforcement
because gay sex clubs were not targeted.
Hays countered that gay sex clubs were investigated but not raided because sex acts
occur in private rooms.
The club includes about 10 theme bedrooms where couples may engage in sex
privately or allow voyeurs to watch through windows. As Fencl conducted a tour, he
explained how bedding is changed, disinfectants sprayed and condoms provided.
Attractions include the Infinity Room with endless mirror reflections, an animal-
themed Jungle Room, and the Fish Bowl with gaping windows and a nautical theme.
Noting that publicity from Phoenix's campaign has attracted new clients, Fencl said,
"We appreciate the city being a market ploy for us."
Guys & Dolls, another sex club, closed Thursday because of the fight with Phoenix,
according to a message left on its phone line. The fourth club raided last Friday,
Discretions, could not be reached for comment.
But Fencl and Magarelli vowed to remain open with new rules designed to ensure
protection under the First Amendment. Among the changes: Members are now
required to sign sworn statements, under penalty of perjury, declaring that they believe
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