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Should Boston Block a Sex Toy Giveaway at City Hall Plaza?
City personnel have asked the Trojan condom company's marketing firm to find an alternative site - something with not as many young families.
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino does not want the famed Trojan condom company handing out sex toys at City Hall Plaza.
The city's properties chief, Michael Galvin, has written to Massivemedia, the marketing firm for the condom company, asking them find a more suitable place for their giveaway. No date has been proposed for the sex toy giveaway, as the company is still looking for a location in Boston.
"I am told the public nature of the plaza affords you legal protection to distribute these products should you insist against our objections, but I would tell you in the strongest terms allowable that I feel this is an inappropriate and irresponsible use for the plaza," wrote Galvin in the letter.
Trojan's Bruce Weiss, vice president of marketing for Trojan Sexual Health, said they hoped to have success in Boston, as they did in New York City, “We were pleased to work with the City of New York to make the Trojan Vibrations giveaway a huge success and hope to do the same in Boston. The interest level in this promotion was phenomenal and proves just how mainstream vibrators have become. We’re excited to get the Trojan Vibrations Pleasure Carts back on the road and hope to bring the buzz to Bostonians next!”
He added, “We will continue to work in partnership with the City of Boston to find the right location to host the Trojan vibrator giveaway and are exploring all options. We want this to be a pleasurable experience for everyone.”
But Boston may not be able to stop the sex toy giveaway from using the plaza, because it's a public place where the giveaway would be constitutionally protected. This is similar to when Menino wanted to stop Chick-Fil-A from opening a store in Boston. The mayor objected statements the restaurant chain's President made about same-sex marriage.
Expanding use of City Hall Plaza to raise revenue is often a topic for Boston politicians, as the large space is often underused. Back in July, the City Council amended the city charter to allow rental of the plaza for fees. The measure was meant to create a sliding scale for renting the plaza.
What do you think? Is Boston City Hall Plaza not an appropriate place for a sex toy giveaway? Does that matter because it's a public spot? Where would be a good place for a sex toy giveaway in Boston?
Joseph
4:27 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2012
City Hall should be the first ones in line for the freebees. Maybe they'd lighten up a little bit. Perfect example of why Mumbles needs to go. Stop preventing this city from being the best it can be!
The real question should be to the readers is this: "How many people do you know that owns a vibrator?" Everyone reading this article knows at least 3 people that do. Yes, they are that mainstream. You know it. I know it. The only people that refuse to admit it is City Hall.
David Ertischek
5:14 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2012
Joseph - you want City Hall to admit that they know at least three people who own a vibrator? That would be an interesting press release.
Joseph
9:46 am on Friday, October 19, 2012
David - My point is simple. Sex toy parties occur like Tuperware parties. It's a vibrator. Not a 18" double ended dildo. People need to lighten up a little bit. Especially City Hall! It's 2012, not 1950.
robertbarnes
4:55 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2012
sounds like a mandate or a dictate (no differance) new york mayor boston mayor and and fed. goverment want to bring back poland 1939
David Ertischek
5:16 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2012
Robert - Not wanting sex toys to be handed out at Boston City Hall Plaza is comparable to the Nazi occupation of Eastern Europe?
John McLoughlin
6:45 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2012
Remember how Mayor Bloomberg instituted a size limit on soft drinks? Do you think.............
Eric Herot
12:09 am on Friday, October 19, 2012
Definitely allow it. Those kids whose parents aren't going to just steer them in the other direction might just learn something useful (like remembering to use a condom!!!). ;-)
Ray Swartz
8:10 am on Friday, October 19, 2012
Why should an anti-sex stance be our knee-jerk reaction? We'd all be happier with a healthier attitude.
Rosa S
12:13 pm on Friday, October 19, 2012
As long as Trojan staff steer clear of children than I dont see what the problem is. Its actually harmless if you compare it to a free candy car or soda....
Timothy Crawford
3:51 pm on Friday, October 19, 2012
So it's okay for schools to give out condoms to teens without the parents knowledge, okay to have a parade to celebrate gay sexuality but no toys for the ladies and no chicken sandwich for you!!!! God I love this city!!
username
9:55 am on Saturday, October 20, 2012
let's work on finding you a new place to live! I will help you pack.
Kim Airs
11:12 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
First, these vibrators can pass as "massagers" because they are so benign looking. Yes, they hand out free condoms but do guys protest? Of course not! AND these vibrators sell for $19.95, $29.95 and $39.95 so they are helping out the economic climate as well. And sex with a vibrator is the safest sex you can have, that's for sure! So lighten up Boston! It's why I opened Grand Opening! in Brookline in 1993. Thanks!
justmaybe
12:15 am on Friday, January 18, 2013
Is the maker of these toys getting free advertising or free marketing ? If so, why doesn't the maker do the give away from a store that sells the product ?