Editor, the Times:

Kent Roberts does not want to live in a 'theocracy.' Neither do I.

Kent wants to thank council for striking down this ridiculous 'facilities use bylaw.'

Kent should reserve his thanks for another day.

Mayor Banman and John Smith were offended by a motion that merely proposed a discussion with staff, sometime down the road, some sort of minimal guideline to assist them, as to what sorts of events would be suitable for publicly-owned facilities.

In fact there are existing minimal decency clauses within the AESC contract already.

But council has a pattern of having bylaws/guidelines that are applied - or not - with no apparent rationale.

So just to make this clear, the mere possibility of a discussion about guidelines is what was struck down.

While declaring they wish to exercise zero control over events in buildings directly under their authority, the very next thing on council agenda was a ban on the sale of shark fin soup, in private eateries, something over which council has no real jurisdiction.

Protect the sharks, allow city buildings to be used for sexually exploitive events.

Throw the women to the sharks.

Mr. Roberts places a high premium on freedom.

So do I. Therefore I expect to hear Mr. Roberts applaud my freedom to speak against morally degrading events in our pubic buildings.

Gerda Peachey Abbotsford