Effort to Dismiss Suit of Sex-Oriented Church Fails
A federal judge Monday refused to dismiss a civil rights lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles by the leaders of a church that includes sex in its rituals and that the city alleges is a front for prostitution.
In denying the city’s request to throw out the suit, U.S. District Judge William Byrne said the case brought by Will Tracy and his wife, Mary Ellen, of Canyon Country, raises “numerous triable issues.”
The two were convicted by a Los Angeles Municipal Court jury Sept. 8 of operating a house of ill fame, and Mary Ellen Tracy also was convicted of prostitution.
In their suit against the city, the Tracys charge that city authorities have denied them freedom of religion and expression.
The case is due to return to court April 10, but is expected to be continued to give both sides more time to prepare.
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