In the quiet coastal city of Florence, Oregon, a simple legislative oversight in 1977 turned a seemingly routine city council meeting into a historical anecdote that would capture national attention. The Florence City Council had only intended to shield public sensibilities by banning sexual intercourse in view of bystanders. However, due to a poorly worded ordinance, they inadvertently made it illegal to have sex “while in or in view of a public or private place,” thus criminalizing an intimate act even within the privacy of one’s home.
Nestled at the mouth of the Siuslaw River and flanked by the scenic beauty of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Florence is a town steeped in history and natural allure. With a population of 9,553 as of August 14, 2023, the city balances between preserving its cultural legacy and embracing the economic shift towards tourism and services.
The accidental ban occurred on November 26, 1977, when the city council approved the problematic measure. The reality of the situation dawned only days later when a re-reading of the ordinance revealed the expansive reach of the ban, spurring a United Press International report. City officials promptly responded, stating they “would not enforce the new ordinance until it could be amended.” This response indicated an awareness of the ordinance’s overreach and an intent to correct the matter swiftly.
Florence’s blunder is part of its quirky character, much like the town’s decision to name a park “Exploding Whale Memorial Park,” commemorating another explosive event from 1970 when authorities attempted to dispose of a dead beached whale with dynamite, leading to unintended and messy consequences.
While the sex ban was accidental and short-lived, it is a reminder of the importance of precise language in lawmaking. The event’s place in Florence’s history adds to the city’s tapestry, which includes being named after either a state senator, A. B. Florence, or a French vessel that met its end at the river’s mouth in 1875. Florence’s historic fabric is enriched with annual cultural events like the Rhododendron Festival and attractions such as the Art Deco Siuslaw River Bridge, Sea Lion Caves, and the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum housed in a 1905 schoolhouse.
Today, the economy of Florence has shifted from its traditional mainstays of logging, commercial fishing, and agriculture to become a hub of tourism, healthcare. Local businesses and the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, who run the Three Rivers Casino Resort, contribute to the vibrant economic landscape.
Relevant articles:
– When Love Was (Accidentally) a Crime: The 1977 Florence, Oregon Sex Ban Story