City to Ban Display of ‘Harmful Matter’

An ordinance that bans public display of sexually explicit materials will become effective in a month.

The ordinance, approved by the City Council this week, prohibits the display of “harmful matter” in news racks in any public right of way or place where minors are allowed. It replaces a city law that allows such displays provided that blinders are placed on the racks.

City officials said their action was prompted by a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing the banning of such material.

“I’m quite honestly glad that our Supreme Court finally has done something,” Councilman Don Bankhead said.

Code enforcement officials said they receive dozens of complaints each year about sexually explicit publications sold in public news racks.

The new ordinance also imposes fees and regulates the size, weight and number of news racks that are allowed in public places.