Strip clubs and pornography shops tax bill passes state House committee

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Strip clubs and pornography shops would have to pay a 10% tax under a bill that easily passed in a state House committee. <br/><br/>The Sexually Explicit Business and Escort Service

Thursday, February 17th 2005, 6:50 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Strip clubs and pornography shops would have to pay a 10% tax under a bill that easily passed in a state House committee.

The Sexually Explicit Business and Escort Service Tax Act would impose a levy on escort services, strip clubs and other sexually oriented businesses.

The measure's author -- Edmond state Representative Dale De-Pue -- says revenue generated by the tax would support domestic violence and sexual abuse programs with a portion set aside to help self-employed Oklahomans buy health insurance.

De-Pue says there were $1,479 cases of child abuse in Oklahoma in 2003.

He says studies have shown that pornography can provide a training manual for abusers.

House Bill 1532 was approved Wednesday by the House Revenue and Taxation Committee.