By Kate Thayer
A group of nuns and residents (click here) who live near a west suburban strip joint Thursday made allegations that prostitution and liquor law violations were occurring at the club, which they say has changed their neighborhood and which they have been seeking to shut down.
In an amended complaint to a suit filed in Cook County Circuit Court, the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo and others claim Club Allure in Stone Park promotes and allows certain touching and "high friction rubbing" that could be considered prostitution under Illinois law....
No doubt it is headed to the Supreme Court. Too drunks knocking on the convent? Simple proximity is not a legal concern unless it is disruptive and then it is a matter of disturbing the peace.
..."This is not just a strip club," said Thomas Brejcha, president of the Thomas More Society, (click here) which is representing the convent. "This is actual criminal conduct. We will press this for as long as it takes."
Sister Noemia Silva said she's worried about the impact the club's presence will have on children in the neighborhood, who she says are now exposed to "alcohol, drugs, insecurity and human trafficking."...
What is going to follow are zoning laws that say no liquor establishment can be within a hundred miles of any convent. It is unconstitutional to carve out the space around an abortion clinic for everyone's safety, but, it is a different story around a nun's convent.
