Protesters turn

cameras on Mirage

Demonstrations against adult

entertainment

to continue

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NICOLLET -- While patrons of "The Mirage" sought an erotic experience in a former pontoon boat manufacturing plant Thursday night, one block west of downtown, more than 50 peaceful protesters created a religious experience of their own across the street.

Two Nicollet County Sheriff's deputies stood outside their cars next to the protesters.

The deputies said they were on hand to keep the peace at a demonstration protesting nude dancing at The Mirage.

One protester held a video camera and pointed it at the door of the night club as patrons came and went. He said he hoped to have the video tape broadcast on public access channels in area communities or on line.

Many of the protesters carried signs. They hailed from Nicollet, Courtland, New Ulm, Sleepy Eye and as far away as Fairmont.

Courtland resident Bill Lee's sign read "abortion is addiction."

"If we don't do something about this, we've committed sins of omission," Lee said. "We'll all be held accountable by our Lord some day."

Lee and others plan to protest outside the strip club every night it is open.

A van with a large sign lit by several colored lights created by the River Valley Christian Church of New Ulm read: "Jesus Christ says lust is adultery. What does an adulterer inherit after death? Read your bible."

At one point, one of nightclub's owners invited the protesters to come inside the night club for half the cover charge.

There were no takers.

"Jesus Christ loves you all the way to hell," answered a woman.

Other signs read: "lust is slavery," "if women are objects, men are rejects," "sidewalk counseling available if you live 'The Mirage," "clothe yourself in righteousness," "save our children, stop porn," and "porn invites rape."

Jim Bennett of Fairmont, the music director at the Christian radio station, KJLY, began singing "Amazing Grace" as an elderly man walked out of the strip joint and climbed into an old Cadillac.

Jim Guldan of New Ulm said Thursday was his third or fourth protest in Nicollet.

"We hope to get more (protest) support from area people," Guldan said.

Nate Bode of Courtland carried a sign that read: "save our children. Stop porn."

Bode talked about what drove him to Nicollet.

"My son was building a new house here in the new housing development when The Mirage opened," Bode said. "Somebody called me to come and protest. At first, I said 'no.' Then I thought about it and decided it was time to come and try to change people's minds."

Paul Furey of Courtland said he came with a newly-created group of protesters called Daniel 13.

"I came to demonstrate because I don't think anybody has the right to degrade the value of women," Furey said. "Our group of Catholics, Lutherans, and people of other faiths plan to come here every night."

Steve Petron of New Ulm said he has two young daughters he is concerned about. "I'd hate to think they'd have to make a living at a place like this," Petron said. "I came here to support Christ's work."

Bennett said studies have shown a dramatic increase in sexual assaults and sexual crimes and decreased property values in areas around strip clubs.

"They also devalue women which are created by God," Bennett said.

The Revelators, a group of Christian rock musicians from New Ulm and Sleepy Eye that belong to River Valley Christian Church in New Ulm, began the nightclub protests a few months ago. Thursday night's protest was the largest yet.