Duncanville, Texas which proclaims itself "The Perfect Blend of Family, Community and Business," is an unlikely venue for a neighborhood swinger club. The city of 36,000 just southwest of Dallas has about 50 places of worship and not a single registered sexually oriented business. But the most popular address on Cedar Ridge Drive is Jim Trulock's split-level home, which has a group sex room and attracts as many as 100 people to swinger parties featuring "Naked Twister" nights.
But the festivities could soon be over. In response to neighbors' complaints, the city has outlawed sex clubs in residential areas. Citations have been issued, and search warrants may be next. "It's crazy that they want to force their morality down our throats," said Dawn Burton, 45, a regular guest at the parties. "We're all frustrated." So are those who complain of the noise, traffic and parking problems that occur in their otherwise quiet, upscale neighborhood every Friday and Saturday, when Trulock's home is transformed into "The Cherry Pit." Okay, the Cherry Pit is a bit much, but search warrants? For what? Manhood mug shot photos?
While guests are encouraged to make "voluntary donations" to cover the cost of food and refreshments, organizers deny that anyone is being charged admission to his parties. An attorney for the Cherry Pit, said many guests give no money, but those who do often chip in $10 or $20. Plans to file a lawsuit next week that will challenge the constitutionality of the ordinance and seek a temporary retraining order against the city will be happening soon. The city has already cited Trulock with three violations, which carry a maximum $2,000 fine. Duncanville City Manager Kent Cagle this week pledged to continue enforcing the new law.The case against the swinger parties does appeal to a lot of people's sense of morality. But there's been a few complaints from residents such as "I came to Duncanville to have a family. I didn't come here to live next to a sex club.'" You didn't. The Cherry Pit is nothing more than a private residence where a group of friends get together on weekends to socialize in whatever way they prefer...you're just living next to the most popular home on Cedar Ridge Drive!
