Greer et al v. Herbert et al
Filing
73
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER granting 56 Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim ; granting 57 Motion to Dismiss ; granting 60 Motion to Dismiss. Signed by Magistrate Judge Dustin B. Pead on 5/8/2018. (las)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, DISTRICT OF UTAH
CENTRAL DIVISION
RUSSELL G. GREER,
Plaintiffs,
v.
GARY R. HERBERT, in his individual
capacity as Governor of the State of Utah;
SEAN D. REYES, in his official capacity as
Attorney General of the State of Utah;
SIMS S. GILL, in his official capacity as
District Attorney of the City and County of
Salt Lake; JACKIE BISKUPSKI, in her
official capacity as Mayor of the City of
Salt Lake, BEN MCADAMS, in his official
capacity as Mayor of the County of Salt
Lake, KATHY BERG, in her official
capacity as Director of the Division of
Commerce; JAMES ALLRED, in his
official capacity as Business Licensing
Manager for, the City of Salt Lake;
ROLEN YOSHINAGA, in his official
capacity as Director of Planning and
Development of the County of Salt Lake,
MEMORANDUM DECISION & ORDER
Case No. 2:16-cv-01067
Magistrate Judge Dustin Pead
Defendants.
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Factual Background …………………………………………………………………………3
Utah's Prostitution & Brothel Laws……………………………………………………… . 6
Discussion
I.
Standing……………………………………………………………………......8
1.
Standard of Review…………………………………………………. ..8
2.
No Standing To Enforce The Rights Of Others……………….…....10
3.
No Standing For Claims Against Biskupski, Allred, McAdams
and Yoshinaga……………………………………………......11
a. Biskupsk and McAdams…………………………………..11
b. Allred and Yoshinaga…………………………………......12
4.
Standing For Claims Against Gill and State Defendants………….13
a.
b.
c.
Pre-Enforcement Challenge…………………………13
Gill…………………………………………………….14
Herbert, Reyes and Berg………………………….....15
II.
42 U.S.C. §1983………………………………………………………………16
III.
Utah's Laws Are Constiutional……………………………………………..17
1.
2.
Facial And As-Applied Challenges. ………………………………..18
Right To Sexual Privacy…………………………………………….19
a.
b.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
IV.
No Fundamental Right …………………………......20
Rationally Related To Legitimate Interest…….......21
Equal Protection For Same End Goal Of Intimacy……………….23
Right To Engage In Illegal Employment…………………………..24
First Amendment Free Association…………………………….......25
Article 1 Section 7 of Utah Constitution……………………….......26
Vagueness…………………………………………………………... 27
Ruling & Order……………………………………………………………...29
2
INTRODUCTION 1
Russell Godfrey Greer wants to provide everyone with safe and legal “access to
intimacy.” In order to do so, he seeks to open a Utah brothel called The Mile High Neon. Under
Utah’s current laws, however, he is prohibited from doing so. 2 Consequently, Greer filed his
federal declaratory action challenging the constitutionality of portions of Utah’s laws
criminalizing prostitution, solicitation and the operation of brothels.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
The following facts are taken from Plaintiff Russell Greer’s (Plaintiff or Greer) amended
complaint and viewed in a light most favorable to him. 3
Plaintiff is a well-educated, 4 twenty-five year old man currently residing in Murray,
Utah. 5 He was born with Mobius Syndrome, a neurological condition that causes facial paralysis
and prohibits him from closing his lips or moving his eyes sideways. 6 Greer’s disability causes
1
All parties in this case have consented to United States Magistrate Judge Dustin B. Pead
conducting all proceedings, including entry of final judgment, with appeal to the United States Court of
Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Dkt. No. 24. See 28 U.S.C. § 636(c); Fed. R. Civ. P. 73.
2
See Utah Code Ann. §§ 76-10-1302 through 1305 (criminalizing prostitution and solicitation),
§47-1-1 (declaring brothels a nuisance).
3
See Jordan-Arapahoe, LLP v. Bd. of County Comm’rs., 633 F.3d 1022, 1025 (10th Cir. 2011)
(when considering a motion to dismiss, the court “accepts all well-pleaded facts as true and view[s] them
in the light most favorable to the plaintiff.”); Ruiz v. McDonnell, 299 F.3d 1173, 1181 (10th Cir. 2002)
(the court “must view all reasonable inferences in favor of the plaintiff, and the pleadings must be
liberally construed”) (citing Swanson v. Bixler, 750 F.2d 810, 813) (10th Cir. 1984).
4
In the summer of 2015, Plaintiff graduated from LDS Business College. Prior to graduation,
Greer completed an internship in the Litigation Division of the Utah Attorney General’s Office. Dkt. No.
55, ¶¶46-48.
5
Dkt. No. 55, ¶8.
6
Id.
3
significant physical and social challenges for him. Consequently, in order to “feel loved”, Greer
solicits sex workers 7 at brothels in Nevada, where prostitution is legal, and in Utah, where
prostitution is criminalized. 8
In April of 2013, Greer started visiting brothels in Nevada. 9 He describes his experiences
as “magical” and claims that his time there helped him to “cope with his disability and [ ]
depression.” 10 Over time, frequent travel to Nevada became financially prohibitive 11 and Greer
was “forced” to seek companionship in Utah. 12 Prostitution is illegal in Utah and Plaintiff lived
in fear of being victimized, 13 criminally prosecuted and of contracting a sexually transmitted
disease.
Determined to provide everyone with the opportunity for safe and legal “access to
intimacy,” Greer decided to open a brothel in Utah called “The Mile High Neon” (TMHN). 14
Plaintiff outlines TMHN’s business plan, design, layout and operational procedures in copious
7
Greer refers to “prostitutes,” “escorts,” and “sex workers” interchangeably throughout his
pleading. While there are subtle nuances that differentiate these terms, for purposes of this opinion, the
court broadly defines all prostitutes, escorts and sex workers as individuals “who engages, offers, or
agrees to engage in any sexual activity with another individual for a fee, or the functional equivalent of a
fee.” Utah Code Ann. §76-10-1302(1)(a).
8
9
Dkt. No. 55, ¶¶8, 20, 25, 34-36.
Greer visited brothels in or near Elko and Reno, Nevada. Dkt. No. 55, ¶¶36-37.
10
Dkt. No. 55, ¶¶35, 39.
11
Greer estimates he spent up to $14,000 at brothels in Nevada. Dkt. No. 55, ¶¶39-40.
12
Additional reasons for Greer’s decision to stop traveling to brothels in Nevada include, a falling
out with brothel owner Dennis Hoff and becoming the victim of a $4,000.00 theft. Dkt. No. 55, ¶¶41-44.
13
Plaintiff claims he has been the victim of fraud when escorts post “fake pictures to lure Greer in
and upon meeting, . . . [hold him] under duress to give them the money. Others have been the same girl as
advertised, but they do not provide the services they promise.” Dkt. No. 55, ¶42.
14
The name “Mile High Neon” is a combination of “the mile-high club” and the Greek word
“porneon,” meaning brothel. Dkt. No. 55, ¶¶ 47, 50-52.
4
detail. 15 In order to obtain a license, Greer submitted his licensing paperwork online with the
State of Utah. On December 29, 2015, Plaintiff’s paperwork was approved and he was given
“numbers for his business registration and the appropriate document to file.” 16 On January 14,
2016, Greer received notice from Kathy Berg, Director of Utah’s Division of Commerce, that his
registration was for “an illegal business purpose” and immediately revoked. 17
On October 18, 2016, Greer filed his initial complaint. 18 Later, he sought to incorporate
relevant statutory amendments and the court granted Plaintiff leave to amend. 19 Greer filed an
15
Greer explains that the structure will resemble a Greek temple with large columns, marble
floors and a wooden front door similar to that found at a “luxury mansion.” Dkt. No. 55, ¶¶ 66, 67. A
fountain will decorate the main room along with couches, televisions and a non-alcoholic bar. Id.,¶ 67. An
electronic business directory is located near the front of the building where clients can “click” on the
girls’ pictures if they are interested in meeting them. Id.,¶69. Past the office where financial transactions
are conducted, there are approximately ten employee rooms. Id., ¶71. Each room contains a window, bed,
television and panic alarm. Id. TMHN also has a kitchen area where employees can cook their own
meals. Id.,¶73.
Plaintiff proposes “innovative” operational procedures for TMHN’s employees: weekly sexually
transmitted disease inspections, self-defense training, financial planning, and training related to
understanding the disabled. Id., ¶¶76-79, 82. All workers are licensed through the sheriff’s office and
TMHN will pay taxes and donate to local charities. Id., ¶¶83- 84. Potential employees may apply online
and TMHN will hire only “the classiest and most beautiful people that have extraordinary personalities
and who are not judgmental.” Id.,¶80. Employees are encouraged to set goals, and every two years Greer
will check to see if they are achieving their goals. Id. Greer will encourage employees to “go after their
dreams,” and put them in touch with “talent agents” who can help find other “non-sexual jobs.” Id. Greer
will act as TMHN’s legal assistant, but will not own or run the brothel. Id.,¶86. Instead, he intends to give
his business license to “an educated, beautiful woman in her mid-thirties to forties who has higher
education and experience in business.” Id.
16
Dkt. No. 55, ¶¶51, 54.
17
Dkt. No. 55, ¶55.
18
See Dkt No. 1, Dkt. No. 2. Greer’s initial pleading also listed Tricia Christie as a plaintiff.
Christie did not sign the pleading, or provide a physical address, email, or telephone number. See Fed. R.
Civ. P. 11(a) (“Every pleading, written motion, and other paper must be signed by at least one attorney of
record in the attorney’s name—or by a party personally if the party is unrepresented. The paper must state
the signer’s address, e-mail address, and telephone number . . . .”). Further, as a non-attorney Greer is
prohibited from representing Christie in any case. See DUCivR 83-1.3(c); Perry v. Stout, 20 F. App’x.
780, 782 (10th Cir. 2001) (non-attorney cannot represent a pro se litigant).
5
amended complaint on September 12, 2017, seeking declaratory and injunctive relief against
Defendants Governor Gary Herbert (Herbert), Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes (Reyes) and
Utah’s Director of the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code Kathy Berg (Berg)
(collectively “State Defendants”), Salt Lake District Attorney Sim Gill (Gill), Salt Lake County
Mayor Ben McAdams (McAdams) and Salt Lake Director of Planning Rolen Yoshinaga
(Yoshinaga) (collectively “County Defendants”) and Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski
(Biskupski) and Salt Lake City Business Licensing Manager James Allred (Allred) (collectively
“City Defendants”). 20
Currently pending before the court are the City, State and County Defendants’ motions to
dismiss Greer’s amended complaint for failure to demonstrate standing, state a claim or establish
a constitutional violation.21 Greer did not oppose the City or County Defendants’ motions to
dismiss, and the time within which to do so has expired. 22
UTAH’S PROSTIUTION & BROTHEL LAWS
Greer seeks a declaration that the following portions of Utah’s statutes are
unconstitutional (Utah’s Prostitution and Brothel Laws).
19
Dkt. No. 47.
20
Greer’s claims against individual City, County and State Defendants are brought solely in their
official capacities. In addition, Greer’s amended pleading does not name Christie as a Plaintiff, and
therefore she is no longer a party to this action. See Dkt. No. 55.
21
Dkt. No. 56, Dkt. No. 57, Dkt. No. 60.
22
See DUCivR 7-1(b)(3)(A), see also DUCivR 7-1(d) (“[f]ailure to respond timely to a motion
may result in the court’s granting the motion without further notice.”); Masero v. Mortgage Elec.
Registration Sys., 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 128564 * 1 (D. Utah Dec. 2, 2010) (granting motion to dismiss
as unopposed pursuant to DUCivR 7-1(d)).
6
Utah Code Ann. §76-10-1302, Prostitution.
(1) An individual is guilty of prostitution when the individual:
(b)
takes steps in arranging a meeting through any form
of advertising, agreeing to meet, and meeting at an
arranged place for the purpose of sexual activity in exchange
for a fee or the functional equivalent of a fee;
UCA §76-10-1302(b)
Utah Code Ann. 76-10-1303, Patronizing a prostitute.
(1) An individual is guilty of patronizing a prostitute when the individual:
(b)
enters or remains in a place of prostitution for the purpose
of engaging in sexual activity.
UCA §76-10-1303(b).
Utah Code Ann. 76-10-1304, Aiding prostitution.
(1) A person is guilty of aiding prostitution if the person:
(iii) leases, operates, or otherwise permits a place controlled
by the actor, alone of in association with another, to be used
for prostitution or the promotion of prostitution;
UCA §76-10-1304(1)(iii)
Utah Code Ann. 76-10-1305, Exploiting prostitution.
(1) An individual is guilty of exploiting prostitution if the individual:
(a)
procures an individual for a place of prostitution; or
(e)
owns, controls, manages, supervises, or otherwise keeps,
alone or in association with another, a place of
prostitution or a business where prostitution occurs
or is arranged, encouraged, supported, or promoted.
UCA §76-10-1305(1)(a)(e).
Utah Code Ann. 47-1-1, Declared a nuisance—Abatement.
Whoever shall erect, establish, maintain, use, own or lease any building,
structure or place, for the purpose of lewdness, assignation or prostitution
is guilty of nuisance, and such building, structure or place, and the ground
itself, in or upon which such lewdness, assignation or prostitution is
conducted, permitted or carried on, and the furniture, fixtures and musical
instruments therein and the contents thereof are declared a nuisance, and
shall be enjoined and abated as hereinafter provided.
UCA §47-1-1.
7
DISCUSSION
I.
STANDING
1.
Standard of Review.
A threshold issue is whether Greer has standing to bring his claims against Defendants.
Standing ensures that federal courts only issue judgments in “cases” and “controversies” in
which they have jurisdiction to do so. 23 The burden is on plaintiff to clearly demonstrate the
elements of standing for each cause of action, 24 and the court has an “independent obligation” to
raise the standing issue “regardless of whether it is challenged by any of the parties.” 25 When
considering dismissal, “courts must accept as true all material allegations of the complaint, and
must construe the complaint in favor of the complaining party.” 26
23
U.S. Const. art. III, §2.
24
Spokeo, Inc. v. Robins, 136 S. Ct. 1540, 1547, 194 L. Ed. 2d 635 (2016); Bronson v. Swensen,
500 F.3d 1099, 1106 (10th Cir. 2007); Utah v. Babbitt, 137 F.3d 1193, 1202 (10th Cir. 1998) (burden is on
plaintiff “clearly to allege fact demonstrating” standing).
25
Summers v. Earth Island Inst., 555 U.S. 488, 499, 129 S. Ct. 1142, 173 L. Ed. 2d 1 (2009)
(citations omitted). The court previously issued an Order requesting supplemental briefing on standing,
ripeness and the proper analysis for facial versus as-applied challenges. See Dkt. No. 34.
26
See Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(1); Warth v. Seldin, 422 U.S. 490, 501, 95 S. Ct. 2197, 45 L. Ed.2d
343 (1975). In general, Rule 12(b)(1) motions for dismissal take two forms:
First, a facial attack on the complaint’s allegations as to subject matter
jurisdiction questions the sufficiency of the complaint. In reviewing a
facial attack on the complaint, a district court must accept the allegations
in the complaint as true. Second, a party may go beyond allegations
contained in the complaint and challenge the facts upon which subject
matter jurisdiction depends.
Holt v. United States, 46 F.3d 1000, 1002-03 (10th Cir. 1995) (citations omitted).
8
Article III standing requires a plaintiff to meet the following elements:
First, the plaintiff must have suffered an invasion of a
legally-protected interest which is (1) concrete and
particularized, and (b) actual or imminent, not
conjectural or hypothetical. Second, there must be a
causal connection between the injury and conduct
complaint of---the injury has to be fairly traceable to
the challenged action of the defendant, and not the result
of the independent action of some third party not before
the court. Third, it must be “likely” as opposed to merely
“speculative,” that the injury will be redressed by a
favorable decision. 27
In addition to constitutional standing, a plaintiff must also establish prudential standing.
Prudential standing places limits on who may invoke the courts’ powers and requires:
(1) the plaintiff generally must assert his or her own legal
rights; (2) the court must refrain from adjudicating
“generalized grievances” most appropriately addressed by
one of the other branches of government; and (3) the
plaintiff’s complaint must fall within the zone of interests to
be protected or regulated by the statute or constitutional
guarantee in question. 28
When mounting a pre-enforcement claim, plaintiff is not required to “await and undergo
a criminal prosecution” before challenging the statute on constitutional grounds. 29 Rather, a
plaintiff may establish standing prior to enforcement by showing both a future intention to
engage in conduct that is “arguably affected with a constitutional interest, but proscribed by a
statute” and a credible threat of prosecution. 30
27
Lujan v. Defenders of Wildlife, 504 U.S. 555, 561,112 S. Ct. 2130, 2136, 119 L. Ed. 2d 351
(1992) (citations and quotations omitted); see also Gilbert v. Shalala, 45 F.3d 1391, 1393-94 (10th Cir.
1995), cert. denied, 133 L. Ed. 2d 14, 116 S. Ct. 49 (1995).
28
Mount Evans Co. v. Madigan, 14 F.3d 1444, 1450-51 (10th Cir. 1994) (citations omitted).
29
Babbitt v. United Farm Workers Nat’l. Union, 442 U.S. 289, 298, 60 L. Ed. 2d 895, 99 S. Ct.
2301 (1979) (quoting Doe v. Bolton, 410 U.S. 179, 188, 35 L. Ed. 2d 201, 93 S. Ct. 739) (1973).
30
Id., see also Brown v. Herbert, 850 F. Supp. 2d 1240, 1246 (D. Utah 2012).
9
2.
Greer Does Not Have Standing To Enforce The Rights Of Individuals
Who Choose To Work In Prostitution.
As a preliminary matter, Greer cannot establish standing to bring his equal protection
challenge on behalf of individuals who “choose to work in prostitution.” 31 Under the doctrine of
prudential standing, Greer cannot bring suit to enforce the rights of others. 32 Moreover, while an
association may bring suit on behalf of its members, it can only do so if: “(a) its members would
otherwise have standing to sue in their own right; (b) the interests it seeks to protect are germane
to the organization’s purpose; and (c) neither the claim asserted nor the relief requested requires
the participation of the individual members in the lawsuit.” 33 As an unestablished business
owner, Greer does not identify any discernable “association” or “members” who otherwise have
standing to sue in their own right. 34 At best, Plaintiff attempts to bring an equal protection claim
as a future brothel owner on behalf of future brothel employees. 35 Yet, any currently unknown or
potential future relationships are too tenuous to support representational standing and Greer’s
equal protection claim brought on behalf of unidentified others is dismissed.
31
Dkt. No. 55, ¶¶106-108; See Claim 2(B) “Denial of Equal Protection for Those Who Choose to
Work In Prostitution.”
32
See VR Acquisitions, LLC v. Wasatch Cnty., 853 F.3d 1142, 1146 (10th Cir. 2017).
33
Thiebaut v. Colo. Springs Utils., 455 Fed. Appx. 795, 801 (10th Cir. 2011); see also Summers
555 U.S. at 498-99; S. Utah Wilderness Alliance v. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation &
Enforcement, 620 F.3d 1227, 1246 (10th Cir. 2010).
34
Colorado Taxpayers Union, Inc. v. Romer, 963 F.2d 1394, 1397-98 (10th Cir. 1992) (citation
omitted).
35
See Dkt. No. 55, ¶108 (“The As-Applied challenged laws must be struck down to allow women
the right to work in brothels.”). Tricia Christie is no longer a party to this lawsuit and Greer may not
assert a claim on her behalf.
10
3.
Greer Does Not Have Standing To Assert Claims Against City Defendant
Biskupski and Allred and County Defendants McAdams and Yoshinaga.
Greer does not demonstrate standing to bring claims against Defendants Salt Lake
City Mayor Jackie Biskupski, City Business Licensing Manager James Allred, Salt Lake County
Mayor Ben McAdams and County Director of Planning and Development Rolen Yoshinaga.
a.
Biskupski and McAdams
The only allegation raised against City Mayor Jackie Biskupski is set forth at paragraph
twelve (12) of the amended pleading and states:
Defendant Biskupski is the Mayor for the City of Salt Lake
(“Biskupski”). She is sued in her official capacity only.
Biskupski, an elected official, exercise the executive and
administrative powers of the municipality. Utah Code
10-3b-202(1)(b). 36
Likewise, the only mention of Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams is at paragraph
thirteen (13):
Defendant Ben McAdams is the Mayor for the County of Salt
Lake (“McAdams”). He is sued in his official capacity only,
McAdams, an elected official, exercises the executive and
administrative powers of the municipalities of the County.
Utah Code 10-3b-202(1)(b). 37
Plaintiff does not raise any substantive claims or assert an injury-in-fact. Absent a
traceable injury, causation and redressability, 38 Plaintiff lacks standing and Biskupski and
Allred’s motions to dismiss are granted.
36
Dkt. No. 55, ¶12.
37
Dkt. No. 55, ¶13. Utah Code §10-3b-202(1)(b) sets forth the general powers of mayors of
cities, towns and metro townships, but not for counties.
38
Utah v. Babbitt, 137 F.3d 1193, 1204 (10th Cir. 1998).
11
b.
Allred and Yoshinaga
The limited allegations raised against City Business Licensing Manager James Allred and
County Development Director Rolen Yoshinaga are found at paragraphs fifteen (15) and sixteen
(16) of the amended pleading:
Defendant James Allred is the Business Licensing Manager
for the City of Salt Lake (“Allred”). He is sued in his official
capacity only. Allred is responsible for overseeing the business
licensing in Salt Lake City which includes Sexual Oriented
Businesses (SOBs). Salt Lake City Code 5.02.020;
Utah Code 10-8-41.5.
County of Salt Lake (“Yoshinaga”). He is sued in his official
capacity only. Yoshinaga is responsible for overseeing the
business licensing in Salt Lake County which includes Sexual
Oriented Businesses (SOBs). Salt Lake County Code 5.01.030;
Utah Code 10-8-41. 39
And, additionally at paragraph thirty-three (33):
Berg, Allred, and Yoshinaga are compelled to not issue business
licenses for those businesses deemed “illegal” and therefore
hinders Plaintiff’s attempts from obtaining a license to try to
amend State, County, and City laws surrounding houses of
prostitution.40
Together, these allegations are insufficient to establish standing. In their official
capacities, Allred and Yoshinaga oversee aspects of business licensing for Salt Lake City and
Salt Lake County. Greer, however, does not allege that he applied for, or was denied, a business
license by either. No substantive allegations are raised and there is no concrete or particularized
39
Dkt. No. 55, ¶¶ 15, 16.
40
Dkt. No. 55, ¶33.
12
injury alleged. 41 Without an injury, causal connection 42 or redressability, Greer cannot
demonstrate standing and Allred and Yoshinaga’s motions to dismiss are granted.
4.
Greer Has Standing To Bring Claims Against County Defendant Gill and
State Defendants Herbert, Reyes and Berg.
Greer demonstrates standing to bring claims against Defendant Salt Lake
County District Attorney Sim Gill and State Defendants Governor Gary Herbert, Attorney
General Sean Reyes and Director of the Division of Commerce, Kathy Berg.
a.
Pre-Enforcement Challenge
As discussed, Article III standing limits federal court jurisdiction to clearly defined cases
and controversies where a plaintiff’s injury is “actual or imminent, not conjectural or
hypothetical.” 43 That said, a plaintiff is not required to “await the consummation of threatened
injury to obtain preventive relief.” 44 Indeed, in order to establish injury under a pre-enforcement
challenge to the constitutionality of a criminal statute, a plaintiff must show: “(1) an intention to
engage in a course of conduct arguably affected with a constitutional interest, but proscribed by
[the challenged] statute, and (2) [the existence of] a credible threat of prosecution thereunder.” 45
A credible threat of prosecution exists when the challenged statute prohibits conduct that
41
Babbitt, 137 F.3d 1193, 1204 (10th Cir. 1998).
42
Id. 137 F.3d at 1202 (standing doctrine requires a “causal connection between the injury and
the conduct complaint of” that is “fairly traceable to the actions of the defendant.”).
43
Lujan, 504 U.S. at 560.
44
Babbit v. UFW Nat’l. Union, 442 U.S. at 298 (citing Pennsylvania v. West Virginia, 262 U.S.
553, 593, 43 S. Ct. 658, 67 L. Ed. 1117 (1923).
45
Colo. Outfitters Ass’n. v. Hickenlopper, 823 F.3d 537, 545 (10th Cir. 2016); United States v.
Supreme Court, 839 F.3d 888, 901 (10th Cir. 2016) (pet. for cert. filed June 6, 2017) (citing D.L.S. v.
Utah, 374 F.3d 971, 975 (10th Cir. 2004) (requiring an “objectively justified fear of real consequences”).
13
plaintiff “wishes to engage [in], and the state has not disavowed any intention of invoking the . . .
provision” against plaintiff. 46
b.
Gill 47
County District Attorney Sim Gill does not dispute that he possess authority to enforce
Utah’s criminal prostitution laws, 48 and he provides no assurances that Greer will not be
prosecuted thereunder. 49 Rather, the thrust of Gill’s argument is that any felony prosecution is
too speculative to support standing since it would require two prior prostitution convictions,
solicitation of a child, or solicitation in unincorporated Salt Lake. 50
Greer has not been threatened with arrest or prosecution under Utah’s Prostitution and
Brothel laws. Nonetheless, he asserts an objective fear of prosecution “if he continues to engage
in sexual activity for hire.” 51 The court lacks information on the regularity of the statutes’
enforcement. However, any assertion that enforcement is too speculative is undermined by the
46
Supreme Court, 839 F.3d at 901 (citing Babbitt 442 U.S. at 298).
47
See Dkt. No. 43 (conceding “Plaintiff may have standing to pursue claims against [Gill] based
on fear of arrest and prosecution for soliciting prostitution . . . .”).
48
See e.g., Socialist Workers Party v. Leahy, 145 F.3d 1240, 1248 (11th Cir. 1998) (“where the
plaintiff seeks a declaration of the unconstitutionality of a state statute and an injunction against its
enforcement, a state officer, in order to be an appropriate defendant, must, at a minimum, have some
connection with enforcement of the provision at issue.”).
49
See Babbitt, 442 U.S. at 302 (threat of prosecution credible where the state “has not disavowed
any intention of invoking the. . . provision” against plaintiff.).
50
Patronizing a prostitute is a misdemeanor offense prosecuted by the City. UCA §§76-10-1303,
76-10-1308, 10-03-928(2). However, patronizing a prostitute is charged as a felony, and prosecuted by
the County District Attorney’s Office, if it is a third offense or the prostitute is a minor. Id. In addition,
the County District Attorney’s Office is charged with prosecuting felonies within the county as well as
misdemeanors that occur within the unincorporated county. See UCA §17-18a-401.
51
Dkt. No. 55, ¶¶8, 58. Even though Greer has “gone a year” without intimacy, standing can still
be established based on a credible threat that “such behavior, if taken in the future, would be prosecuted.”
Bronson v. Swenson, 500 F.3d 1099, 1108 (10th Cir. 2007) (referencing Medimmune, Inc. v. Genentech,
Inc., 127 S. Ct. 764, 772-76 , 166 L. Ed. 2d 604 (2007).
14
absence of any geographical limits on Greer’s future “engagements” or solicitations. Absent
parameters, it is possible that Greer’s engagements will occur in unincorporated Salt Lake, an
area where the District Attorney is charged with prosecuting felony and misdemeanor crimes. 52
Accordingly, under the somewhat loosened pre-enforcement requirements Gill has authority to
enforce the laws and a credible threat of prosecution exists that is sufficient to support
standing. 53
c.
Herbert, Reyes and Berg
State Defendants Herbert, Reyes and Berg concede that Greer has standing to bring his
claims against them. Berg denied Greer’s business registration for TMHN, 54 and Herbert and
Reyes are responsible for promulgating and enforcing Utah’s Prostitution and Brothel laws.
Given the possibility that Greer may engage in the proscribed conduct in the future, a credible
threat of enforcement and prosecution exist.
52
See UCA §17-18a-401.
53
In so ruling, the court declines to adopt the State’s argument that Greer’s case is only “a
challenge to the ability to open a brothel and not a challenge to the legality of being able to solicit
prostitutes more generally, . . .”(Dkt. No. 60 at 9.) Indeed, Plaintiff challenges the constitutionality of
Utah Code Ann. §76-10-1302(b) which criminalizes “the generalized legality of prostitution” when
meeting at “an arranged place” for the purpose of sexual activity in exchange for a fee or the functional
equivalent of a fee. UCA §76-10-1302(b).
Additionally, the court finds Gill’s ripeness argument unpersuasive, noting that contingent future
events are always at issue in a pre-enforcement matter. See Thomas v. Anchorage Equal Rights Comm’n.,
220 F.3d 1134, 1138-39 (9th Cir. 2000) (stating “[t]he overlap between [ripeness and standing] has led
some legal commentators to suggest that the doctrines are often indistinguishable”) (citing Erwin
Chemerinsky, A Unified Approach to Justiciability, 22 Conn. L. Rev. 677, 681 (1990); see also Awad v.
Ziriax, 670 F.3d 1111, 1124 (10th Cir. 2012) (quoting Am. Civil Liberties Union v. Johnson, 194 F.3d
1149, 1154 (10th Cir. 1999) (“If a threatened injury is sufficiently imminent to establish standing, the
constitutional requirements of the ripeness doctrine will necessarily be satisfied.”).
54
See Kitchen v. Herbert, 775 F.3d 1193, 1201 (10th Cir. 2014) (holding plaintiffs possessed
standing after being denied a license because, in part, the plaintiffs “identified several harms that flow[ed]
from th[at] denial.”); see also Utah Code Ann. §42-2-5.
15
II.
42 U.S.C. § 1983
Section 1983 creates a federal cause of action to vindicate violations of constitutional law
by individuals acting “under color of state law.” 55 Specifically, §1983 provides a remedy against:
Every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulations,
custom, or usage, of any State . . . subjects or causes to be subjected
. . . to the deprivation of any rights, privileges or immunities secured
by the Constitution and Laws . . . . 56
Standing alone, the statute does not create substantive civil rights. Instead, the statute serves as a
procedural mechanism for enforcement of existing federal and constitutional rights. 57
In the context of a civil rights action against multiple governmental actors, liability is
predicated on each defendant’s personal involvement in the constitutional violation. 58 It is of
particular importance “that the complaint make clear exactly who is alleged to have done what to
whom, [in order] to provide each individual with fair notice as to the basis of the claims against
him or her.” 59 Specifically,
When various officials have taken different actions with respect to a
plaintiff, the plaintiff’s facile, passive-voice showing that his rights
“were violated” will not suffice. Likewise insufficient is a plaintiff’s
more active-voice yet undifferentiated contention that “defendants”
infringed his rights. 60
55
See 42 U.S.C. §1983.
56
Id.; Jojola v. Chavez, 55 F.3d 488, 492 (10th Cir. 1995).
57
Wyatt v. Cole, 504 U.S. 158, 161, 112 S. Ct. 1827, 1830, 118 L. Ed. 2d 504 (1992) (“The
purpose of §1983 is to deter state actors from using the badge of their authority to deprive individuals of
their federally guaranteed rights and to provide relief to victims if such deterrence fails.”).
58
See Pahls v. Thoms, 718 F. 3d 1210, 1225-56 (10th Cir. 2013).
59
Wilson v. Montano, 715 F.3d 847, 852 (10th Cir. 2013) (citing Robbins v Oklahoma, 519 F.3d
1242, 1250 ) (10th Cir. 2008).
60
Pahls, 718 F.3d at 1225-26 (citing Tomkovich v. Kan. B. of Regents, 159 F.3d 504, 532-33 (10th
Cir. 1998).
16
To survive dismissal for failure to state a claim, a §1983 plaintiff must allege a: “(1)
violation of rights protected by the federal Constitution or created by federal statute or
regulation, (2) proximately caused, (3) by the conduct of a ‘person’ (4) who acted under color of
any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State or Territory of the District of
Columbia.” 61
As set forth herein, Plaintiff does not assert violations of constitutional rights secured
under the First, Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. 62 Because Utah’s Prostitution and Brothel
laws are constitutional sound, they cannot serve as the grounds for redress of Greer’s §1983
claims. 63
III.
UTAH’S STATUTES ARE CONSTITUTIONAL
Greer mounts several constitutional challenges to Utah’s Prostitution and Brothel laws
claiming violations of (1) the right to sexual privacy, (2) equal protection of the laws, (3) the
right to earn a living, (4) freedom of association, (5) Article 1, Section 7 of the Utah
Constitution, and (6) prohibitions on vagueness. 64
As explained herein, the challenged provisions are constitutionally sound and
Defendants Gill, Herbert, Reyes and Berg’s motions to dismiss for failure to state a claim are
granted. In addition, Greer’s failure to establish a violation of rights protected under the
61
Beedle v. Wilson, 422 F.3d 1059, 1064 (10th Cir. 2005) (citing Summum v. City of Ogden, 297
F.3d 995, 1000 (10th Cir. 2002) (quotation omitted).
62
Dkt. No. 55.
63
Auvaa v. City of Taylorsville, 506 F. Supp. 3d 903, 909-10 (D. Utah 2007) (quoting Stidham v.
Peace Officer Standards and Training, 265 F.3d 1144, 1157) (10th Cir. 2001) (a §1983 plaintiff must
“show an affirmative link between a defendant’s conduct and a constitutional violation, and that
affirmative link must be alleged in the complaint as well as proven at trial.”).
64
See Utah Code Ann. §§76-10-1302(1)(b), 76-10-1303(1)(b), 76-10-1304(1)(iii),
76-10-1305(a)(e) and 47-1-1.
17
Constitution also serves as an alternative holding for granting Defendants Biskupski, McAdams,
Allred and Yoshinaga’s motions to dismiss.65
1.
Facial And As-Applied Challenges.
A party may challenge the constitutionality of a statute under a facial challenge, an
as-applied challenge or both. 66 More specifically,
[a] facial challenge is a head-on attack [on a] legislative judgment,
an assertion that the challenged statute violates the Constitution in
all, or virtually all, of its applications.
In contrast, an as applied challenge concedes that the statute may be
constitutional in many of its applications, but contends that it is not
so under the particular circumstances of the case. 67
The distinction between facial and as-applied challenges is murky. One is not always
categorically distinct from the other and the line of demarcation may be fluid. 68 At first blush,
Greer’s claims exhibit characteristics of both facial and as-applied challenges; Plaintiff titles his
challenges “As Applied,” 69 yet the body of the claims reference application to “many persons in
Utah.” 70
65
See supra, pg. 10-12.
66
See Kan. Judicial Review v. Stout, 519 F.3d 1107, 1118 (10th Cir. 2008).
67
United States v. Supreme Court, 839 F.3d 888, 907 (10th Cir. 2016) (internal citation and
quotation omitted); see also N.M. Youth Organized v. Herrera, 611 F.3d 669, 677 n. 5 (10th Cir. 2010)
(“[An] ‘as applied’ challenge to a law acknowledges that the law may have some potential
constitutionally permissible applications, but argues that the law is not constitution as applied to
[particular parties].”); United States v. Salerno, 481 U.S. 739, 745, 107 S. Ct. 2095, 95 L. Ed. 2d 697
(1987) (“A facial challenge to a legislative Act is, of course, the most difficult challenge to mount
successfully, since the challenger must establish that no set of circumstances exists under which the Act
would be valid.”).
68
See Am. Fed’n. of State, Cty. & Mun. Emps. Council 79 v. Scott, 717 F.3d 851, 865 (11th Cir.
69
Dkt. No. 55, ¶¶ 90, 96, 98, 103, 105.
70
Dkt No. 55, ¶¶111, 117.
2013).
18
When characteristics of both challenges are present, the court may consider other guiding
tenets. 71 First, labels that “the parties attach to claims are not determinative.” 72 Thus, Greer’s “as
applied” designations are not dispositive of the inquiry. Second, “the court must focus on
whether the claim and the relief therein extend beyond the plaintiffs’ particular circumstances” 73
Third, if the claim and relief extend beyond the plaintiff, “facial standards are applied but only to
the universe of applications contemplated by plaintiffs’ claim, not to all conceivable applications
contemplated by the challenged provision.” 74
As set forth below, the court applies the appropriate “analytical construct” in conjunction
with its consideration of Greer’s constitutional challenges to Utah’s Prostitution and Brothel
laws.
2.
Plaintiff’s Fourteenth Amendment Substantive Due Process Claim For The
Right To Sexual Privacy.
While labeled “[a]s [a]pplied,” Plaintiff actually asserts a violation of “many
individuals’” substantive due process rights and raises a facial objection. 75
The Due Process Clause extends constitutional protections to fundamental rights and
freedoms protected under the Bill of Rights. 76 Fundamental rights are “deeply rooted in this
71
Supreme Court, 839 F.3d at 914 (10th Cir. 2016).
72
Id. at 914. See also Doe v. Reed, 561 U.S. 186, 194, 130 S. Ct. 2811, 177 L. Ed. 2d 493 (2010)
(“The label is not what matters.”).
73
Id. (Emphasis added).
74
Id.
75
Dkt. No. 55, ¶96. See Discount Tobacco City & Lottery, Inc. v. United States, 674 F.3d 509,
522 (6 Cir. 2012) (quoting Reed, 561 U.S. at 194).
th
76
Kitchen v. Herbert, 755 F.3d 1193, 1208 (10th Cir. 2014) (quoting Washington v. Glucksberg,
521 U.S. 702, 720, 117 S. Ct. 2258, 117 S. Ct. 2302, 138 L. Ed. 2d 772 (1997) (internal quotations
omitted).
19
Nation’s history and tradition . . . , such that neither liberty nor justice would exist if [the
liberties] were sacrificed.” 77
a.
The Relationship Between Prostitute And Client Is Not A
Fundamental Right Protected By The Due Process Clause.
Any fundamental rights analysis involves consideration of plaintiff’s “careful description
of the asserted fundamental liberty interest” along with its historical roots. 78 Fundamental
constitutional protections have been afforded to personal decisions and relationships such as
“marriage, procreation, contraception, family relationships, child rearing, and education.” 79
Similar protections have not been extended to the relationship between a prostitute and client.
In support of his claim, Greer asserts sex in brothels is deeply rooted in this nation’s
history. 80 Additionally, Plaintiff points to the “ambiguity” surrounding the Supreme Court’s
ruling in Lawrence v. Texas, striking down Texas’ law prohibiting homosexual sodomy. 81
Admittedly, the nature of rights protected under Lawrence is imprecise. Nonetheless, the
Lawrence court acknowledged the case “does not involve . . . prostitution.” 82 Further, the
Supreme Court’s holding has not been interpreted as creating “a liberty interest that invalidates
77
Id. 755 at 1208-09 (citing Glucksberg, 521 U.S. at 720-21) (quotations omitted).
78
Chavez v. Martinez, 538 U.S. 760, 775-76, 123 S. Ct. 1994, 155 L. Ed. 2d 984 (2002).
79
Carey v. Population Services International, 431 U.S. 678, 684-686, 52 L. Ed. 2d 675, 97 S. Ct.
2010 (1977).
80
Dkt. No. 55, ¶91.
81
Dkt. No. 61 at 19; See Lawrence v. Texas, 539 U.S. 558, 578, 123 S. Ct. 2472, 156 L. Ed. 2d
508 (2003).
82
Lawrence, 539 U.S. 558 at 578 .
20
laws criminalizing prostitution.” 83 Without a fundamental liberty interest, rational-basis review
applies. 84
b.
Utah’s Laws Criminalizing Prostitution Are Rationally Related To
Legitimate Government Interests.
Under rational review a statute must be upheld “if there is any reasonably conceivable
state of facts that could provide a rational basis for the classification.” 85 Review is highly
deferential to state action and the burden is on plaintiff “to negate every conceivable basis which
might support” the legislation. 86
Utah’s Prostitution and Brothel laws rationally relate to legitimate governmental
interests. In reaching this conclusion, the court takes judicial notice of the harms of prostitution
as determined by other federal courts. 87 Legitimate harms of prostitution include an interest in
83
See Erotic Service Provider Legal Education & Research Project v. Gascon, 880 F.3d 450, 456
(9th Cir. 2018); See e.g. Doe v. Jindal, 851 F. Supp. 2d 995, 1000 n. 11 (E.D. La. 2012) (“Lawrence does
not speak to the solicitation of sex for money, and has little precedential force here.”); United States v.
Thompson, 458 F. Supp. 2d 730, 732 (N. D. Ind. 2006) (“it would be an untenable stretch to find that
Lawrence necessarily renders (or even implies) law prohibiting prostitution . . . unconstitutional”); State
v. Thomas, 891 So. 1223, 1236 (La. 2005) (“[T]he majority opinion in Lawrence specifically states the
court’s decision does not disturb state statutes prohibiting public sexual conduct or prostitution.”).
84
FCC v. Beach Commc’ns., 508 U.S. 307, 313, 113 S. Ct. 2096, 124 L. Ed. 2d 211 (1993)
(upholding statute under rational basis review “if there is any reasonably conceivable state of facts that
could provide a rational basis for the classification.”); see also Teigen v. Renfrow, 511 F.3d 1072, 1083
(10th Cir. 2007) (upholding statute that is “rationally related to a legitimate government purpose or end.”).
If a fundamental liberty interest is involved, strict scrutiny applies; Shapiro v. Thompson, 394 U.S. 618,
22 L. Ed. 2d 600, 89 S. Ct. 1322 (1969).
85
Beach Commc’ns, Inc., 508 U.S. at 313 (1993); see also Allright Colorado, Inc. v. City & Cty.
Of Denver, 937 F.2d 1502, 1512 (10th Cir. 1991) (quotation omitted).
86
Heller v. Doe, 509 U.S. 312, 320, 113 S. Ct. 2637, 125 L. Ed. 2d 257 (1993) (internal quotation
marks omitted).
87
A court is required to convert a motion to dismiss to a motion for summary judgment if it
considers matters that are outside the scope of the pleadings. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(d) (“If, on a motion
under Rule 12(b)(6) or 12(c), matters outside the pleadings are presented to and not excluded by the court,
the motion must be treated as one for summary judgment under Rule 56.”). But, a court is not required to
convert a motion to summary judgment based upon its consideration of public records for which the court
takes judicial notice. See Tal v. Hogan, 453 F.3d 1244, 1264 n. 24 (10th Cir. 2006) (“facts subject to
21
deterring the commodification of sex, 88 along with findings that support a connection between
prostitution and trafficking in women and children, 89 violence against women, 90 illegal drug
use 91 and sexually transmitted diseases. 92
Greer maintains criminalizing prostitution actually places individuals at greater risk of
contracting a sexually transmitted disease or becoming the victim of a crime, and therefore no
rational basis exists. 93 The issue, however, is not whether Greer’s basis or the basis offered by
the State is more rational. Rather, the question is whether Utah’s Prostitution and Brothel laws
further a legitimate purpose. 94 Here, they do. Commercial sex is not a fundamental right and
judicial notice may be considered in a Rule 12(b)(6) motion without converting the motion to dismiss into
a motion for summary judgment.); see also St Louis Baptist Temple v. Fed. Deposit Ins. Corp., 605 F.2d
1169, 1172 (10th Cir. 1979) (“[I]t has been held that federal courts, in appropriate circumstances, may take
notice of proceedings in other courts, both within and without the federal judicial system if those
proceedings have a direct relation to matters at issue.”).
The State also asks the court to take judicial notice of the fact that forty-nine (49) of the fifty (50)
states in the United States have chosen to criminalize prostitution, with only Nevada leaving that decision
to the counties to decide.
88
See Coyote Publ. Inc. v. Mille, 598 F.3d 592, 603 (9th Cir. 2010) (observing that the Thirteenth
Amendment “enshrines the principle that people may not be bought and sold as commodities,” and
restrictions on prostitution stem from “an objection to their inherent commodifying tendencies—to the
buying and selling of things and activities integral to a robust conception of personhood.”).
89
See Erotic Serv. Provider, 880 F.3d at 457 (citing Coyote Publ’g Inc., 598 F.3d at 600 (9th Cir.
2010) and Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Dep’t. of Justice, Characteristics of Suspected Human
Trafficking Incidents, 2008-2010 1, 3 (April 2011).
90
See Id. at 457-58 (citing United States v. Carter, 266 F.3d 1089, 1091 (9th Cir. 2001) and
Commercial Sex: Beyond Decriminalization, 73 S. Cal. L. Rev. 523, 533 n. 47-48 (2000).
91
See Id. at 458 (citing Colacurio v. City of Kent, 163 F.3d 545, 554, 556 (9th Cir. 1998) and Amy
M. Young, et al., Prostitution, Drug Use, and Coping with Psychological Distress, J. Drug issues 30(4),
789-800 (2000).
92
Id. at 458.
93
Dkt. No. 55, ¶92; Dkt. No. 61 at 10.
94
Allright Colorado, Inc.,v. Denver, 937 F.2d 1502, 1512 (10th Cir. 1991).
22
Utah’s laws prohibiting prostitution and the operation of brothels are supported by a rational
basis.
3.
Claim Two: Plaintiff’s Fourteenth Amendment Equal Protection Claim For
Same End Goal of Intimacy.
The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment mandates that “[n]o State
shall . . . deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” 95 Equal
protection requires the laws to afford similarly situated people like treatment. 96
Greer concedes Utah’s Prostitution and Brothel laws are neutral and apply to “all persons
who engage in prostitution.” 97 He argues, however, that the laws have a disparate impact on
individuals with physical disabilities in violation of equal protection. Greer asserts disabled
people “comprise a higher percentage of patrons who pay for [prostitution] services” and are
therefore at a higher risk of being arrested for soliciting prostitutes. 98 As an individual with a
disability, Plaintiff’s claim contains aspects of both facial and as-applied challenges. 99 Yet, the
relief requested affects the statute’s application to the physically disabled. Accordingly, facial
standards apply but only “to the universe of applications contemplated by plaintiff’s claim.” 100
95
U.S. Cons. Amend. XIV.
96
See City of Cleburne v. Cleburne Living Ctr., 473 U.S. 432, 439, 87 L. Ed. 2d 313, 105 S. Ct.
3249 (1985). A statute violates the equal protection clause “if it makes distinctions between the disabled
and nondisabled without a rational justification.”); see also Thompson v. Colorado, 278 F.3d 1020 (10th
Cir. 2001) (citing United States Dep’t. of Agric. v. Moreno, 413 U.S. 528, 37 L. Ed. 2d 782, 93 S. Ct.
2821 (1973).
97
Dkt. No. 55, ¶102.
98
Dkt. No. 55, ¶¶ 102, 105.
99
Cmpr. Dkt. No. 55, ¶103 (“The As Applied sections”) with Dkt. No. 55, ¶ 102 (“discrimination
against disabled people”).
100
Supreme Court, 839 F.3d at 913 (10th Cir. 2016).
23
Assuming, as Greer has alleged, that Utah’s Prostitution and Brothel laws have a
disproportional effect on the disabled, “a neutral law that disproportionately impacts [a group]
does not violate equal protection, . . . , unless that impact can be traced to a discriminatory
purpose.” 101 Greer does not allege any discriminatory purpose and therefore fails to raise an
equal protection violation. And, even if alleged, any discriminatory purpose would need to
support the unlikely contention that Utah’s legislature enacted statutes prohibiting prostitution
and brothels “because of, not merely in spite of” the laws’ adverse effects on the disabled.” 102
There is no fundamental right to solicit sexual services and Utah’s Prostitution and Brothel laws
bear a rational relation to legitimate government interests. 103
4.
Claim Three: Violation of Plaintiff’s Fourteenth Amendment Substantive
Due Process Right To Earn A Living.
Greer’s third constitutional challenge alleges Utah’s Prostitution and Brothel laws violate
the Fourteenth Amendment right to “earn a living through one’s chosen livelihood or profession”
and to “follow any of the ordinary callings of life; to live and work where one will; and for that
purpose enter into all contracts which may be necessary and essential to carrying out these
pursuits.” 104 Greer mounts a facial challenge on behalf of the “many persons” who seek to earn a
living by engaging in the commercial exchange of sex. 105
101
United States v. Williams, 45 F.3d 1481, 1486 (10th Cir. 1995) (citing United States v.
Thurmond, 7 F.3d 947, 953 (10th Cir. 1993).
102
See Thurmond, 7 F.3d 947, 952 (10th Cir. 1993) (citing Personnel Adm’r. v. Feeney, 442 U.S.
256, 272, 99 S. Ct. 2282, 60 L. Ed. 2d 870) (1979).
103
Romer v. Evans, 517 U.S. 620, 631, 134 L. Ed. 2d 855, 116 S. Ct. 1620 (1996).
104
Dkt. No. 55, ¶112.
105
Dkt. No. 55, ¶111.
24
The language of Plaintiff’s challenge is identical to that raised by plaintiffs in the Ninth
Circuit case Erotic Serv. Provider Legal Educ. & Research Project v. Gascon, challenging the
constitutionality of a California statute criminalizing prostitution. 106 While recognizing a
fundamental right to make contracts and earn a living, the Ninth Circuit ultimately concluded
“there is no constitutional right to engage in illegal employment, namely, prostitution” and
Plaintiff’s claim fails. 107 Consistent therewith, Greer fails to state a claim for a violation of a
Fourteenth Amendment substantive due process right to earn a living through illegal
employment---prostitution.
Claim Four: Violation of Plaintiff’s First Amendment Right To Free Association.
Next, Greer raises a facial attack on Utah’s Prostitution and Brothel laws, claiming the
statutes violate “many persons” rights to the freedom of association as secured under the First
Amendment. 108
“There are two distinct forms of freedom of association: (1) freedom of intimate
association, protected under the Substantive Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment;
and (2) freedom of expressive association, protected under the Freedom of Speech Clause of the
First Amendment.” 109 As an initial matter, Greer does not assert that the association between a
prostitute and client is expressive. Further, Utah’s Prostitution and Brothel laws do not
106
Erotic Service Provider, 880 F.3d at 454 (citing Cal. Penal Code §647(b)).
107
Id. at 459; see Lowe v. S.E.C., 472 U.S. 181, 228, 105 S. Ct. 2557, 86 L. Ed 2d 130 (1985) (“It
is undoubtedly the right of every citizen of the United States to follow any lawful calling, business or
profession he may choose.” (internal quotation and citation omitted).
108
Dkt. No. 55, ¶117. Plaintiff mounts a facial challenge based on his objection to the laws on
behalf of “many persons” and not just himself.
109
Erotic Service Provider, (2018) (citing Roberts v. U.S. Jaycees, 468 U.S. 617-18, 104 S. Ct.
3244, 82 L. Ed. 2d 462 (1984).
25
criminalize associating or meeting with a prostitute; they criminalize paying a prostitute for sex.
This association is not protected. Thus, even though Greer frames his claim as a First
Amendment issue, his allegations are actually rooted in a claim for violation of the substantive
due process clause protecting “intimate” and highly personal associations. 110 As discussed,
Greer’s substantive due process claim fails because Utah’s Prostitution and Brothel laws do not
burden a fundamental right and are supported by a rational basis. 111
Claim Five: Violation Of Article I Section 7 Of The Utah Constitution
Plaintiff argues the statutes violate Article 1 Section 7 of the Utah Constitution by
depriving him of his due process rights. 112
Like its federal counterpart, Utah’s due process clause provides that “[n]o person shall be
deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law.” 113 The Utah Supreme Court
interprets the state due process clause consistent with Supreme Court case law interpreting the
federal due process clause. 114 Accordingly, this court’s analysis of Greer’s “federal substantive
110
See Dkt. No. 55, ¶116 (“the Constitution protects against unjustified government interference with
an individual’s choice to enter into and maintain certain intimate or private relationships.”); see also
Dkt. No. 55, ¶117 (challenging Utah’s Prostitution and Brothel statutes as prohibiting the ability of
“many persons in the State of Utah, . . . to enter into and maintain certain intimate and private
relationships.”).
See also IDK Inc. v. County of Clark, 836 F.2d 1185, 1192 (9th Cir. 1988) (noting the Supreme
Court typically identifies the source of protection for highly personal relationships as the fourteenth
amendment due process clause and not the first amendment freedom to assemble.).
111
See IDK, 836 F.2d at 1193 (holding duration of relationship between prostitute and client does
not support an intimate relationship).
112
Dkt. No. 55, ¶121.
113
Utah Const. Art. I, §7, Jensen v. Cunningham, 2011 UT 17, ¶71, 250 P.3d 465, 483.
114
Disability Law Ctr. v. Utah, 180 F. Supp. 3d 998, 1013 (D. Utah 2016) (citing Terra Utils. v.
Public Serv. Comm’n., 575 P.3d 1029 (Utah 1978) (“Since the due process clause of our state
Constitution (Article I, Section 7) is substantially similar to the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the
26
due process claim applies with equal force to Plaintiffs’ due process claim under the Utah
Constitution” and, as a result, Greer fails to state a claim for relief under Article I Section 7. 115
Claim Six: Violation Of Constitutional Prohibition On Vagueness
In 2017, the Utah legislature changed the term “house of prostitution” to “place of
prostitution,” which it defines as:
a place or business where prostitution or promotion of prostitution
is arranged, regularly carried on, or attempted by one or more
persons under the control, management, or supervision of another. 116
Greer asserts the term “place of prostitution” is unconstitutionally vague because it 117
arbitrarily allows law enforcement “to go after obvious brothels, but not go after legal places that
may be practicing prostitution [i.e. strip clubs, massage parlors etc.] . . . .” 118 Utah Code Ann.
§76-10-1304(1)(iii) is the only criminal statute challenged by Plaintiff that is applicable to
operation of a brothel. 119
Greer raises his challenge to the constitutionality of the statute in the context
of a pre-enforcement review. Pre-enforcement review amounts to a facial challenge since “no
one has been charged so the court cannot evaluate the statute as applied.” 120 Moreover, because
federal Constitution, the decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States on the federal due process
clauses are highly persuasive as to the application of that clause of our state Constitution.”).
115
Disability Law Ctr. v. Utah, 180 F. Supp. 3d at 1013.
116
Dkt. No. 55, Utah Code Ann. §76-10-1301(3).
117
Dkt. No. 55, ¶117.
118
Dkt. No. 55, ¶127.
119
The other Utah Prostitution and Brothel statutes pertain to personal solicitation or exploitation
of prostitutes and are not encompassed within Greer’s vagueness challenge. See UCA §76-13-1302(1)(b),
UCA §76-10-1303(1)(b) and UCA §76-10-1305(1)(a)(e). Moreover, the “definitions” referred to in Title
76 of Utah’s Criminal Code do not have any application to Title 47 Nuisances or UCA §41-1-1.
120
United States v. Gaudreau, 860 F.2d 357, 360 (10th Cir. 1988).
27
Greer’s challenge does not implicate any conduct protected under the First Amendment, 121 the
statute is reviewed “on its face as unduly vague in violation of due process.” 122 To demonstrate
that the law is impermissibly vague, it must be “vague in all of its applications.” 123
Vagueness is rooted in the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment which guarantees
that “[n]o person shall . . . be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law.” 124
A statute is impermissibly vague if “it fails to provide people of ordinary intelligence a
reasonable opportunity to understand what conduct it prohibits” or “if it authorizes or even
encourages arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement.” 125 When reviewing a statute for
vagueness, “courts must indulge a presumption that it is constitutional, and the statute must be
upheld unless the court is satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt that the legislature went beyond
the confines of the Constitution” 126
121
See Gaudreau, at 361 (“[A] statute may be challenged on its face when it threatens to chill
constitutionally protected conduct, especially conduct protected by the First Amendment.”).
122
Hoffman Estates v. Flipside, Hoffman Estates, 455 U.S. 489, 498, 102 S. Ct. 1186, 71 L.Ed.2d
362, (1982).
123
Id. at 495; see Free Speech Coalition v. Gonzales, 483 F. Supp. 2d 1069, 1078 (D. Colo. 2007)
(holding that because the “regulation does not implicate a substantial amount of constitutionally protected
conduct, and since it comes in a pre—enforcement context” the Hoffman Estates analysis applied); But
see United States v. Moesser, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 123271 *33-34 (10th Cir. 2010) (“while the Supreme
Court has not expressly overturned its prior rule permitting facial vagueness claims outside of a First
Amendment context, it is clear that since Justice Scalia’s in-depth discussion of the issue, . . . , the Court
has shifted away from allowing such challenges and now favors only permitting facial vagueness
challenges when First Amendment protections are involved.”)
124
U.S. Cons. Amend. V.
125
Jordan v. Pugh, 425 F.3d 820, 824-25 (10th Cir 2005); see also United States v. Corrow, 119
F.3d 796, 802 (10th Cir. 1997).
126
United States v. Day, 223 F. 3d 1225, 1228 (10th Cir. 2000) (citing Brecheisen v. Mondragon,
833 F.2d 238, 241 (10th Cir. 1987).
28
Upon review, the statute is clearly designed to regulate prostitution and includes a
specific standard for enforcement; namely, whether the “place” in question is “used for
prostitution or the promotion of prostitution.” 127 The law provides fair warning of what is
proscribed, and in the pre-enforcement context there is no allegation that the statute has been
enforced in a discriminatory manner. Further, while a business that holds itself out as a “brothel”
may be a more obvious target for prosecution, the statute provides a clear enforcement standard
that does not encompass otherwise legal businesses. Consequently, the language of the statute “is
sufficiently clear that the speculative danger of arbitrary enforcement does not render the
ordinance void for vagueness.” 128
IV.
RULING & ORDER
At its core, Greer’s action stems from an impassioned belief that Nevada’s system of
regulating prostitution and brothels is superior to Utah’s laws criminalizing prostitution. While
engaging, Greer’s policy based claims do not control and it is not the role of this court “to weigh
the wisdom of the legislation.” 129 Utah’s Prostitution and Brothel laws are rationally related to
legitimate governmental interests, and any claim that the laws are antiquated and out of line with
popular convictions is a policy based argument that is appropriate for consideration by the
legislature, not the courts.
For the reasons set forth in this decision, the City, County and State Defendants’ motions
are granted, and Greer’s amended complaint is dismissed with prejudice.
127
Utah Code Ann. §76-10-1304(1)(iii).
128
Hoffman Estates, 455 U.S. at 503.
129
Bensing v. United States, 551 F.2d 262, 265 (10th Cir. 1977).
29
DATED: May 8th , 2018.
BY THE COURT:
________________________
Dustin B. Pead
U.S. Magistrate Judge
30
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