CARNAL NATION

While we in the rest of the country might associate New Jersey with Tony Soprano, corrupt politicians, and rabbis who can find you a kidney CHEAP!, the local government of one town, Montclair, is striving to make sure the area's good name isn't sullied by playing host to kinky sex. The township attorney of Montclair has decided that a local fetish clothing shop, Dressing for Pleasure, can no longer operate the dungeon which they have used to hold play parties for over three years.

The store was originally shut down in June by city officials who cited permit and code violations, following an anonymous complaint about the space. Owners Ed and Karen Dougherty (aka Master Ed and slave Duchess), reapplied to use the basement area of their store as a space for "amateur theatrical and historic reenactment." On Friday, they got their answer from township attorney Alan Trembulak: No.

On Monday, the Doughertys and about 20 supporters showed up in front of the Montclair municipal building to protest the decision.  Protesters held signs condemning prejudice and bigotry against BDSM communities. (Video below.) Trembulak seems unlikely to be moved by the demonstrations. "They basically argued that this is a commercial recreation facility and we disagree," he said. "I'm not sure what I would term it, but we've only looked at this to make a decision to see whether it falls within the parameters of what uses are permitted in the zoning district."