Deseret News | Police raid novelty shop inside Layton Hills Mall

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Police raid novelty shop inside Layton Hills Mall

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MisterMoto | 10:43 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Another case of the religious majority in the state attempting to impose their puritanical beliefs on the rest of the population. I always get a good laugh when I hear the good people of Utah talk about how they believe in freedom of choice. What a crock. This is a state of sheep who are told how to live and what to think, and they would like nothing better than to make the rest of us conform or move. It's also ironic that in a state where the majority use their religion to rationalize away their lack of responsibility when it comes to overpopulating, that they would find anything to do with sex so offensive.

PURP | 10:43 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Isn't it strange how those who try to live right are always critized by those who want the filth. If the store has sold sex material for years then why hasn't it been raided before? Because those who want the filth want to keep it there and blame Utah and Utah laws for trying to keep high ideals for those here. Some say if you don't like it move out of Utah. I say those who do want it and like it are the ones that should move out of Utah to some place that likes that kind of mess. Birds of a feather flock together. Keep Utah clean

Stupid | 10:47 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

You get pulled over for going 7mph over the speed limit, you say "Don't the police have a murderer that they need to be looking for."

You grab a piece of candy from the store, and you get arrested for shoplifting, you say "What the heck, it's only 50 cents."

What people don't realize is that even though it may seem like certain things are minor offenses, you still need to enforce laws. You really need to take a look at what you are saying. Are you really for anarchy? You may consider this a stupid law, so try to change the law. But as long as the law is on the books, you must enforce the law.

This is not a police state, and I for one am all for the law being enforced. (Think illegal immigration...)

The great thing about our society is that you can fight to change laws that you find unjust. Work within the system, that is where you have the most say in what goes on.

Breaking a law no matter how small is wrong. Don't think to justify wrong-doing because the offense is small. DON'T BE STUPID.

Comments continue below

BRUCE | 10:49 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

The new Utah state moto should be: "Utah, almost as backward as Kansas, but still working on it"

Please stop | 10:57 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Interesting comments . . .

"Go ahead" is right--leave the state if you don't like it. Now to bio: Utah is already socially-constructed, so redefining "dirty" isn't possible. But if we could, should we? Is it okay to let anything go? For those of you upset about "puritanical, sexually-frustrated and overly-conservative Utah," take a trip to Russia and see what a country, where 13 and 14 year old girls are having abortions, is like. They'll tell you that nothing's wrong with sex. And then they'll say, "I do it everyday." By the time they're twenty they'll tell you they've slept with 100+, and aborted in back alleys 20 or more times. When they're thirty they'll contract herpes, perhaps syphillis, maybe AIDS. When they're forty they're dead.

At least Utah is erring on the side of caution. Sex is a marvelous thing within boundaries. Just because kids are looking at porn doesn't mean porn's okay. I know a guy who runs a juvenile home for sex addicts. He won't even call the kids he sees "humans" anymore. Because of what they do, which is too graphic to write about, he calls them "mindless animals." What a life!

Anonymous | 10:53 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Go ahead,

I love Utah but some of the self-righteous clannish people can be irritating. I think I'll stay, thank you.

re: go ahead | 11:01 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Amen to taht brother. I moved here from Oregon where in the years I lived there I saw the novelty shops like this one grow into one of the largest porn areas around. Will that happen in Utah? Not as long as we fight back AS WE SHOULD!! To the person who said to keep your kids under control. Have you been in a mall lately. most of the people there are kids. I'm not sure about raiding Spencer's but something has to be done if they won't do it.

Tia | 11:03 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I still love all of these pathetic "if you don't like Utah, get out!"

For one, if all the non-mormons or "utah-haters" moved out of Utah, your econonmy would crash and you'd all have to move out to survive.

And two...everyone is allowed to have their own opinions. Utah is part of the USA, and everyone has a right to be here. And residents also have the right to say they don't like something and that they want it changed.

Capeche?

Anonymous | 11:10 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

If Iï¿½m not mistaken a report recently suggested that Utah, for its population, has the highest volume of such stuff purchased.

So is Utah being made fun of because itï¿½s so ï¿½puritanï¿½ or because it buys so much type stuff?

I think I would rather live in a state that prides itself on protecting children, then one who could care less what their children are exposed to.

Having lived outside Utah for awhile and returning, I found that most people make fun of Mormons (out of ignorance) not Utah.

I found that most people liked Utah, how clean it is, and its beauty.

I found that most people had a great respect for this state in general.

I find itï¿½s mostly people who live here who make fun of Utah.

Utah does not have the strictest liquor laws.

Clearly you can buy ï¿½non puritan type stuffï¿½ in Utah.

Said type stuff is not illegal.

But does said stuff need to be open to view for children.

A few weeks ago, a couple of teenage girls in Utah County, prostituted them selves to a guy who sold porno in an edited movie shop. That is backward.

Thatï¿½s what Spencerï¿½s represents. "fun"

what: | 11:07 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

You guys don't get it do you? Just because Utah tries to have morals we are the laughing stock? Good for Utah I am glad we stand for something and don't pander to the world that says everything is OK and sex is good for everybody, proud to be a Utahn.

Some NATO Guy | 11:09 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Here's how this would be handled in other states:

California - close-minded people not shopping there.
Illinois - a letter to the owner from authorities concerning placement of adult products.
New York - a police officer warning the place that they may be breaking decency ordinances with the merchandise as it's displayed.

... or Utah - an armed police raid in a crowded mall. BRILLIANT!

DahktaD | 11:13 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I amazed how a state that produces so many children, is so repressed when it comes to sex. Obviously there is no fun or itimacy in their lives between couples...so sad, just don't know what they are missing...spit out a kid and then the next one...mass production.
Oops News Alert - Layton 5-0 is raiding Smith's and confiscating all cucumbers, zucini, and squash of questionable appearance. Utah, you seem to go out of the way to be the laughing stock of the rest of the US.

Yeah Layton Police | 11:16 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Now will someone work on Dirty Jo Punsters and take down their discusting billboards?

sick and tired | 11:16 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

"Go Ahead", I am so sick of people trying to claim right to shove others out of what is supposedly part of the United States. If you don't like American law, secede from the union, see how well your tiny state does on its own without the tax money of the larger states you so revile and then claim the right to shove out other Americans. But until then, deal with the fact that this is the United States.

Tia | 11:17 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

And yes, I've lived all over the country too, and Spencer's ARE everywhere. Another name for the store is Dapy's.

Illinois Cougar | 11:22 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I thought someone from the People's Republic of Illinois ought to remind all of you "police state" and "its natural" folks that if you want "progressive" liquor laws, establishments, and so on; you need to vote for it. Calling the authorities names doesn't change anything. The police/DA are doing what the majority of the folks who voted want them to do. It is not a police state,if the police are following the law.

It is really interesting that the people of call everyone else ignorant hillbillies don't know that little tid bit of information.

Anonymous | 11:37 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Am I reading the same story or did I link to something different.

While the items are not illegal they may be illegally displayed.

Playboy magazines are not illegal, but if Spencerï¿½s displays them illegally, they break the law.

You say we should keep our children under control. What do you suggest?

I could implant a GPS system in my sonï¿½s body, a camera behind his retina and a lie detector in his head. Pay a PI to follow his every move and have a 15 min. call in to keep him in line. Is not this Gestapo?

Or I could pay my local government to keep sexually related items out of his view.

Spencerï¿½s can still sell such items but in an age appropriate area.

And we can all have what we want.

No, I do not want my son playing with plastic genitals. I want to be the one who teaches him about sex when its time. I want him to understand its proper roll in his life. I do not want him to learn about it from a shop display in the mall.

If this makes me and Utah backward then so be it.

Town Heathan | 11:43 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

To "Disgusted" and "Go Ahead"

I have a better idea. Why don't you pack up your fundimentalist, judgmental and prudish religion and move to Iraq with the other "religions" that want to control how people think and believe.

You miss the point....just because you don't like it, doesn't make it wrong.

Yes...your religious social values have allot in common with the "extrimist" muslums.

You just don't like to admit it...

Ricky D | 11:39 a.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I was introduced to Funderwear - underewear for 2 and Chocolate Body Paint at a Spencer's store when I was a teenager. It wasn't until I was married that I realized just how much fun these items can be. If I can't buy them at Spencer's, where will I go?

RE: disgusted with disgusted | 12:02 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

and you think you are disgusted! Try living in Utah County and witnessing a young mother at an elementary school disgustedly slamming down a book that shows a cartoon character smoking a pipe! I wonder if Mom knows what a bong is? I hope her children are able to make it in this life. I agree that Spencers needs to better regulate their adult novelties (keep them in the back), but come on people... don't be of the world, but you need to be in it just a little.

What took so long? | 12:03 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I don't agree with the stuff they sell either, but they've been selling that stuff for years now. If you're offended by it, then don't go in the store! I hate people who have to stick their noses into other people's busineness who shouldn't be there. Like I said, if you don't like it then stay away. Nobody foced those complaining SOBs to go into that store. Everyone knows what Spencer's is all about.

mm | 12:03 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

...and this kids is why we have separation of church and state. When you try to legislate morality, you are also legislating intolerance. The same thing that many religious groups oppose - when it applies to them - is what they impose on others.

m PETERSEN | 12:04 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Why doesn't everyone that doesn't agree with Utah's decency laws Move???? we don't want you here. All you have to look at is the degradation in our country to realize that this kind of stuff and the lax attitudes you get from so many parents, is contributing to that! Please go find a state that you agree with and leave. we could care less.
And congratualtions to the police department for
not backing down to "political correctness!"

Why do we care what they think? | 12:07 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I try very hard to understand why we should care what the crap other states or other religions think about us. Iï¿½m going to do whatï¿½s best for ME and I donï¿½t worry what someone in California will think when I do it. If they donï¿½t like it, fantastic stay in California.

Get over it | 12:09 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I live in the south. I have seen raids like the one at Spencers in neighboring communities. There are counties that will not sell alcohol. People are arrested for driving through a dry county with alcohol. There are raids on convenience markets because their "porno" magazines are in plain view. There are no "porno" magazines for sale in the county I live in. There are even anti-smoking laws. For some reason I never hear the LDS Church being blamed for these events or policies. In fact, I rarely hear the evangelical churches blamed. Those that have problems with Mormons in Utah and their belief get over it. If you think the Mormons have a lot of influence in Utah, move to the south or the midwest and you will find out what religious influence and conservatism really means!! You will see blatant entanglements between church and state with few or no complaints--again the LDS church is not blamed. Those that seek to blame the LDS church for everything that happens in Utah, don't have a clue!! Expand your horizons.

Get a clue | 12:15 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

BIO
Sex is dirty when a novelty shop displays it in a rude/crude and degrading manor ï¿½ not because of whatever garbage you said.

oops | 12:13 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

To awesonron--Mississippi and Alabama don't have a state lottery.

roadrunner | 12:22 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Supermarkets better get ready - carrots, cucumbers and squash are next on the list.

Left utah for a reason | 12:23 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Why should it be the stores responsibility to teach the kids... shouldn't the parents be doing that... god forbid a parent takes responsibility for their own child...

Sweet William | 12:32 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

and the moral goose-stepping continues.

Ciete | 12:36 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Wow, Guess I'll stay in AZ afterall.

We have things called "parents" which belive it or not are responsible for their kids. We dont ask the state, local, or any other Gov't to do it for us. What a novel(ty) concept!!

to:disgusted | 12:42 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Why do you assume that all of us liberals "came" here- I bet most of us grew up here.

Why don't YOU leave? Utah doesn't need any more puritans. Places like San Francisco or Mass do- why don't you move there where your presence will do some good?

"people who complain about Utah need to move"

I say "people who complain about the complainers need to move"

Ron | 12:50 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

There's a very simple definition for decency in Utah: on a female those exposed parts of the body from the neck up, from the knee to the foot, and from the deltoid to the ends of the fingers. Everything else about female anatomy is obscene and indecent. For males, it's whatever shows above the waste and below mid-thigh. Beer guts (or root beer guts) are not obscene. Nauseating but not obscene. Any reference either directly or implied to human sexuality is obscene and indecent. All human physiological functions are obscene in Utah. Reproductive organs are obscene and indecent. As they should be.

Good Work | 12:44 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I think the decision is right based on the thing that you all missed!!! The community has been complaining for a year now. The police are going off what the residents want looked into and that is what should happen. Whether you are with them or against them, the police are supporting the residents and their concerns as I would hope any police force would do. I also agree with many of you who say that nothing is wrong with sex and all this repression, and this and that. Bottom line, I dont think that I should have to start explaining it to my 6 year old just because he went into the mall.

Utah Should lern from Europe | 1:09 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

There are a lot of religious paintings in European Churches that would be deemed obscene in Utah, doesn't that tell us we are taking this a "bit" too far?

Bubba | 1:18 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Utah's culture and customs are a sad reminder of days before the highways connected coast to coast. Now they are a cultural backwater, hopelessly practicing their native customs and pretending the suited men in their shiny cars are a temporary thing. Sad, but many monocultures like this persist across the USA; the hope is that tv and movies will bring our culture closer to these native villages and eventually they will give up these vestiges of native culture.

Another commenter | 1:16 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

what: -

You're the one that isn't 'getting it'. You ask why Utah is a laughing stock because the state 'tries to have morals' but this just shows you think your puritanical morality is the only kind. The people you disagree with have ethical standards as well. It is the self-righteousness of you and your kind that makes Utah a laughing stock as much as anything else.

Props to Disgusted | 1:22 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

STOP THE CALIFORNICATION OF UTAH! The Mormons came here first and without them there wouldn't be a state. As a parent I will shelter my kids, that is my God given parental right. I was born here and value the influence of the mormon church, that is why so many people move here, to get away from Gangs, bad schools etc. Then they find out they brought it with them. Heaven forbid we live in a place that values family, marriage between a husband and wife, decency laws, strict liquor laws, people that obey the ten commandments and actually keep the sabbath holy, go to church, love their neighbor etc. If that makes Utah the laughing stock of the country, then our country is in a sad state. Well said Disgusted. People who move here and complain should leave, nobody is keeping you here.

Daniel LS | 1:24 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Thank you, Utah, for making Kentucky seem progressive.

GeNo | 1:27 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

This has more to do with personal opinion then facts. The fact is that the COMMUNITY complained. The fact is they COMPLAINED for at least ONE YEAR.
The police responded by doing their job. Sorry the caps are for emphasis only, not yelling.

Now my opinion stands that they should just not allow minors in the store, same with most states and adult stores.

Though I must say it's funny that people consider Utah repressed. I've lived here for years and you get the same kind of crime and issues any state gets. I have also meet some of the most disgustingly grotesque people, both monstrously conservative and blame-religion liberals. It's just a place. That's all. Same kind of people you'd meet anywhere.

I wonder, how many of these posts generated from Utah and not because of the Fark.com link (which I love that site).

ttyp00 | 1:45 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

thank god they've gotten rid of all the robberies, murders, fraud, and abuse so now they can go after Spencer's. What a snore-fest.

Puritanical Descendant | 1:52 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

I have traced my roots to the Mayflower, i know our countries history, i know world history. Lack of morals will lead to Sodom & Gamora. My ancestors erred on the side of caution, example... Salem.

I want to know if they warned them beforehand. If "Spencer Gifts" was cited for improper display. Yes, our media is saturated with sex, blame the feminist movement, who are just as much to blame as the hippies, who are just as much to blame as Bill Clinton.

PLACING BLAME RESOLVES NOTHING, PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY IS PARAMOUNT.

I am a good person because my parents raised me so, I'm doing it with my children, try it on yours.

Hugh | 2:03 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Maybe this was a ruse by the police to obtain some last minute valentines gifts for their significant others. Feb. 14 can sneak up on you pretty quickly if you don't watch for it.

onecoolshe | 2:05 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Next it's the book stores and library?

Ricky | 2:09 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Thanks Utah for the great advertisement for Spencers. I didn't know they had that kind of stuff. Now I know where to go buy it in person! (No more secret brown packages delivered to the house!) I'm glad we left Utah! My apologies to those who are left behind. (Can you say "behind" in Utah?)

Anonymous | 2:19 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

To all the separation of church and state peoples;

The laws governing this action are not a Utah thing. It is a USA thing.

This is why Howard stern moved to satellite radio so the government could not control him (subscription).

Religion and decency is not the same thing. Religion supports decency. But non religious folks do too.

Separation of church/state protects religion as much as it protects the state.

You claim to be controlled by a theocratic government. But you have a right to vote for Utahï¿½s government, leaders and laws. Or have you some how been left out of the democratic process.

I do not remember a sign it the DMV concerning voter registration saying non Mormons need not apply.

Also the police did not mention President Monsons first act was to authorize this raid.

Other states pass laws according to the make up of their communityï¿½s values. You claim Utah community values are invalid.

Religions are free to teach decency standards. Religious people are free to support laws based on those standards democratically. If such laws are contrary to the constitution you are free to oppose them. Have a ball!

Greatful for the help | 2:42 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

To all of you that think I need to control my kids and not let them out, do you have any kids, I think you are the ones that need to get a life. Adult material what ever it may be should be for adults only and segregated from children. I have great kids and trust their judgements but I still need all the help I can get, they're kids and still make mistakes. And to those of you that think adult material doesn't hurt minors, maybe the police should start looking in your direction.

Anonymous | 2:47 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

to: Utah Should learn from Europe.

Actually BYU has a very modern art department. Unless churches in Europe have paintings of Spencerï¿½s products this does not apply.

Time to Raid | 3:06 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

Okay so Spencer's has bedroom 'toys'. I just about flipped when I saw how many 'escort' services are in the Salt Lake area but nobody has called on them. In a number of cases 'excorts' provide more than companionship to an event but also bedroom time. If you're going to take the 'toys' out of Spencers because it's obscene then close down the escort services as well. Escort service is legalized prostitution.

jt | 3:16 p.m. Feb. 13, 2008

i am a born again christain. i am not perfect and i know none of you utah people are. we cannot control what goes on in the world, but if we teach our children the truth of the Lord, that is all we can do. they run into all kinds of things whether it be at spencers, school, anywhere out in public. they will make their own choices no matter what we do. there are spensers everywhere. i read about so much crime in utah and am forced to watch it on my tv as i only receive direct tv where i live. i am forced to watch about a religion i do not agree with so my tv is turned to other channels. i respect utah and the mormons for their choices but i am glad i am in wyoming where i feel people have some sense about them. utah, you cannot protect your children forever. they will go out into the world and see things and there is nothing you can do about it. just hope they make the right decisions.

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