Joshua Wagner hasn't added a story.

Hello,

We are Josh and Serrah. We have a beautiful child and have started a business with the hopes of securing financial comforts. Our business is a photography studio and retail shop that has a fetish/dungeon theme. For those who are unfamiliar just think, "50 shades of grey". Part of our business model is to hold classes where we teach our customers the safe and proper use of the products we sell. We are passionate about these products since they are critical elements of our lifestyle. The city began an investigation of our establishment based on allegations that we were operating a sex club. After a physical inspection of our facility (while interupting an improptu session with a new client) the city found no evidince to substantiate their claims. They are now contending that our marketing violates the City of Las Vegas ordinance "Chapter 10.34". They have not charged me with a crime but have ordered me to get into compliance. They initially stated that we were not lisenced to host classes at our facility and we were ordered (verbally) to cease and desist. After supplying the city with a copy of my approved business license application which reads,“We will be opening a photography studio, we also have a small retail section in which we sell props, novelties, and a limited wardrobe for use in the studio. We are renting studio space, photography equipment and props. We are also providing other photography services including photography, editing and print (digital). We intend to rent the studio for classes related to our services”, they corrected their statement to say, "You may not violate any provisions of City or State law pertaining to your business, or permit any violations to occur on your licensed premises. You may not operate outside the scope of your above listed description. You may not provide any classes which do not fall into the categories described above. For clarification, anyone who is renting the studio for classes must be properly licensed with the City of Las Vegas pursuant to Title 6 of the Las Vegas Municipal Code."

The city has verbally ordered us to cease teaching anything that involves BDSM activities and more specific "Sadomasochistic abuse". They've also told us it's unlawful to photograph simulated acts of the same.

The ordinance that they cite is unconstitutional because it targets "Sadomasochists" and BDSM practicioners. It uses the terms of flagellation, fetering and torture in it's definition of Sadomasochistic abuse. In another ordinance "Chapter 10.64.020-E" the city goes on to target the same social group based on appearance ""Sadomasochistic abuse" means flagellation or torture by or upon a person clad in undergarments, a mask or bizarre costume, or the condition of being fettered, bound or otherwise physically restrained on the part of one so clothed." The reason that we believe they make this delineation is because it is legal for a parent to commit some of these acts on their children within the city. To omitt a description of Sadomasochistic attire would apply this law to the common interest but make physical forms of discipline in child rearing unlawful.

Laws that are written to limit one group of people from an activity while allowing another are unconstitutional. It is blatent descrimination and predjudice.

We intend to sue the city for financial loss but more importantly, we want to see this law changed. We want to be treated as equals in society and not looked down upon or charged as criminals for commiting the same acts that the general population can without punishment.

The money we raise will be used for filing, travel, attorney fees as well as financial support for our family while fighting this case.

Please help in any way you can. If you can not donate then send us letters of support. If you have a story about how living a BDSM lifestyle has benefited you we want to hear it. If you work in any industry that has studied BDSM to the extent of verifiable evidence of POSITIVE benefits of BDSM practices, we want to hear from you. Most of all, share our story. The more people who hear about it the faster we will reach our goal. We have no doubt that our case will be seen and substantiated in the supreme court. We just need to get there.

Thank you