Yes on Issue One
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Sample Letter to Editor

In November Ohioans will have an opportunity to vote to keep an important, protective law on the books.  A “yes” vote on Issue 1 will curb much of the crime and economic distress brought to communities by sexually oriented businesses.

In May, 75% of Ohio’s legislators voted to pass Sub. S.B.16, referred to as the Community Defense Act (CDA).  The law first insures that local communities have the assistance and protection they need to zone, license and regulate sexually oriented businesses – the legal term that includes massage parlors, pornographic book stores, x-rated theatres, peep booths, and strip bars. 

CDA also establishes two statewide regulations, both aimed at reducing the documented crimes associated with these businesses.  One would provide that these businesses close between the hours of midnight and 6:00am, when various crimes linked to the businesses increase.  The other would facilitate enforcement of Ohio’s laws against prostitution by prohibiting physical contact between nude employees and patrons. 

To prevent this law from going into effect, sex business owners convinced many citizens to sign a referendum petition by deceiving them as to the true purpose of their petition.  Now they are using similarly deceptive messages to convince Ohioans to vote to repeal this anti-crime law.  CDA will help, not hurt our economy.  It will protect, not hurt the employees of sex businesses.  It will be a boon, not a burden, to law enforcement officials.

To keep a much-needed, protective law on the books in Ohio, vote YES on Issue 1.
Take Action

The owners of Ohio’s sex businesses are planning a multi-million dollar, multi-media campaign to mislead voters as to the effect of CDA and to confuse voters as to how to vote to keep CDA on the books in Ohio.  Media sources advise that the sex industry has committed to an investment of $5 million in TV advertising alone.

We cannot match their funds or compete with them in the media. But we can win this campaign by spreading the truth through and effective grassroots campaign.  Your participation is vital!

Letters to the Editor

The sex business owners no doubt will purchase political ads in newspapers across the state.  In addition, because sex businesses spend millions in advertising throughout the year, the editorial boards of many papers will supplement the paid ads with editorials supportive of the repeal effort. 

Letters to the editor of your paper can be very effective in offsetting those paid ads and editorials.  A sample 250-word letter is available in the box at the left.  Write one, submit it, and encourage friends to do likewise.

Church BulletinsIssue 1 church bulletin

Engaging the Church will be critical to the success of our effort.  Our church bulletin insert will be a critical component of the campaign.  Click on the picture at the right to view a copy of the insert.  Call (513) 733-5775 or e-mail info@YesOnIssueOne.com to receive a hard copy.  Please encourage the pastoral staff of your church to distribute the insert on Sunday October 28th or Sunday November 4th.  Call or e-mail us with the quantity needed and we’ll ship them to the church immediately, free of charge.  Click here to see a letter from our legal partners at the Alliance Defense Fund that addresses the legality of churches addressing this issue from the pulpit or through the insert.

Issue One Yard Sign 1

Yard Signs

Yard signs can be a very effective way to remind neighbors to get out to vote YES ON ISSUE 1 on November 6.  Most local sign companies can make them inexpensively with only a  24-hour notice.  Their message should be simple for passers-by to read.

Push Cards

The sex industry’s ads will attempt to confuse voters as to how to vote to keep CDA on the books in Ohio.  Reminding voters leading up to election day, and even as they approach the polling place, that a YES vote on Issue 1 will keep CDA on the books and place common-sense regulations on these degrading businesses, may make the difference in this campaign.  Check here to print off and copy a sample card to hand out.