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Sex-shop zoning clears state Senate The Associated Press SALEM -- A ballot measure to allow cities and counties to zone sex businesses to keep them away from schools, churches and playgrounds won approval Monday night in the Oregon Senate. The measure, which is intended to appear on the November 2000 ballot, was endorsed on a 20-7 vote after backers said local communities need the ability to restrict the location of adult bookstores and nude dancing. "If you've been around these places and seen the condoms in the parking lots, it's not a place where you'd want to take your family," said Sen. Lenn Hannon, R-Ashland. Opponents said the measure would chip away at Oregonians' free-speech rights. "I believe there are statutory measures that can be used without eroding the precious protections we have under our Oregon Constitution," said Sen. Ginny Burdick, D-Portland. The proposed constitutional amendment, which returns to the House for action on amendments, was sparked by community outrage over large sex shops that have opened in Medford and Portland. Backers of the measure said that despite vocal opposition from the public, those communities haven't been able to move the adult businesses out because of the Oregon Supreme Court's strict interpretation of free speech rights. "This is the only way that we can regulate these businesses away from churches, neighborhoods and schools," said Sen. Marylin Shannon, R-Brooks. "I can't imagine how anyone who's tender-hearted toward kids could vote against this." Supporters said voter approval of the measure wouldn't mean sex stores near homes, churches and schools would be immediately moved out of neighborhoods where they're not wanted. Instead, they said, over time cities and counties would enact policies about where such businesses should be located. "Zoning allows communities to deal with the negative effects of sexually oriented businesses in a responsible and reasonable fashion that I hope will appeal to the majority of Oregonians," said Rep. Rob Patridge, R-Medford, who is sponsor of the measure. The measure number is HJR52. Today's Business Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA