Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Prostitution remains legal in Ely, Nev.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ELY, Nev. - The mayor of this small Nevada mining town came to the rescue of the only brothel in town, vetoing a bill that would have banned prostitution and closed the Stardust Ranch brothel.

The City Council voted 3-2 Thursday to close the brothel in this town of 5,000 near the Utah border.

But Mayor Robert Miller used his veto power immediately after the raucous three hour meeting that led to the council vote.

And if the feelings of those attending the meeting are any indication, most people in Ely are happy to see the Stardust Ranch remain open for business.

The economic benefits of the brothel, both as a tourist attraction and from the money the women working there spend in town, were cited by many speakers who supported keeping the practice legal.

Opponents of the proposed ban ran the gamut from seniors to the new generation of families raising children in White Pine County.

"I can't recall one instance in all those years of the 'line' giving us one instance of trouble," said Sunny Martin, 86. "But TV and the computer can bring filth right into your house."

The line of brothels once stretched for 3 1/2 blocks, she said.

Tonja Lemich, 32, a third-generation resident who is raising a child in the community, said she took offense at those council members who want to legislate morality. Brothels provide safe sex for the men who use them, she said.

But supporters of the ordinance said officials can and must legislate morality.

"There is not one good thing about a brothel," said Councilman Stuart Tracy's wife, Joette. "We have tolerated this negative part of this town long enough."

In a long speech that drew some catcalls from the audience, Councilman Tracy said he was disappointed that his proposal led to such a strong division in the community.

But the issue needs to be faced to make Ely a better place for families, he said.

"I don't think this town is going to rise or fall based on the existence or nonexistence of a brothel," he said.

Miller said he vetoed the ordinance because of his belief that the brothels offer a place for safe sex.

Stephanie Pleasants, an Ely resident and owner of the Stardust Ranch brothel, said before the vote that most people in town appeared to support keeping the brothel open.

Prostitution is legal in 10 rural Nevada counties, where about 30 brothels are operating. It is illegal in the state's two most populous counties, Clark and Washoe, and in areas of White Pine County outside of Ely.

The vote to override the veto will come in September, but both council members who voted no, C. Jay Barrett and Randy Conner, said they will not change their minds. It would take four votes to override the mayor.

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