Tenn. swingers club to open as church instead

Tony Gonzalez | The Tennessean

NASHVILLE — Same address. Same owners. Same floor plan.

But instead of a sex swingers club, anticipate a church in Madison, Tenn.

On paper, at least, that's the new plan for the property where a swingers club recently tried to open before city and state policymakers moved swiftly to block it.

The owners now plan to open a church that caters to their club members. The United Fellowship Center will honor memberships from The Social Club, according to a member newsletter, but baseball caps, bandanas, skull caps and sagging pants won't be tolerated.

"It's going to be a place where people can meet and enjoy fellowship. There is no sexual activity that will go on there," said Larry Roberts, attorney for the owner. "I assume if someone meets there and wants to do something of a sexual nature, they'll go to a hotel or a motel or go home."

A church renovation plan was approved through the city's review process, allowing a work permit to be issued, although other inspections are yet to come.

Floor plans for the club, and now for the church, show the same room layout with several label changes. The club's themed "dungeon" room will now be for the "choir." A dressing room has become the sacristy. There's a new pastor study penciled in.

The move comes after state lawmakers blocked private sexual swinging clubs from locating within 1,000 feet of schools, churches, daycares or parks, and the Metro Council changed its zoning code to block private clubs from properties zoned for office uses.

Both measures targeted The Social Club, which applied to move into a former medical office on a property adjacent to Goodpasture Christian School.

A massive backlash against the club — especially from churches — drew hundreds to Madison community meetings while the club's attorney threatened a lawsuit or sale of the building to another controversial group.

Roberts said the fellowship center will require a membership. A first event is not yet scheduled.

Several of those who opposed The Social Club say they are skeptical of the change.

"I find it hard to believe that they've invested that kind of money and they're just going to change the activity," said Ricky Perry, president of Goodpasture. "I really hope that it's true."

Metro Zoning Administrator Bill Herbert said the department takes applicants at their word, so inspectors are treating the building as a church. As long as the United Fellowship Center is in compliance with codes, it will receive permission to operate.

"If it is not operating as a church, that's an enforcement issue," he said. "We can tell them to cease and desist, and if they refuse we can enforce it through the courts."

Councilwoman Karen Bennett, who led the zoning change, has since advanced a second proposal to keep sex clubs only within industrial areas, a bill that awaits a second council reading.

"They just changed the names of the rooms," Bennett said of the club's change of plans. "If they want to say they're a church, it really has to go through the normal process. I'm assuming they'll have to get their (nonprofit) status."

Bennett said the opponents still have interest in what happens, and in "checking out the church when it opens."

Contributing: The Associated Press