Brothels are under siege, more and more considered outdated and distasteful — even in the only state to sanction prostitution.
Legalized in Nevada in , these so-called pleasure dens, many believe, are on their last legs. Richard S. These brothels are really a relic of the past. Thanks to the anonymity of cyberspace, naughty adult hookups can be had at the click of an icon, rather than through boozy all-male joyrides into the Nevada desert.
Contrary to its reputation, Las Vegas does not condone legalized prostitution. Despite his folksy backslapping style, his message was shunned more and more by a new generation of elected officials. In , when Flint approached Barbara Buckley, then speaker of the Assembly, about allowing legalized prostitution in Las Vegas and surrounding Clark County, she winced.
This year, most of the 17 freshman lawmakers in Nevada avoided Flint like a bad cold. Hunter tended to Odom and called A few years ago, the famed Mustang Ranch threw a steak-and-lobster party for legislators.
Three showed up. Only a few of the legal brothels make a profit, Flint said. Most clients pay a few hundred dollars per visit. Flint said his last budget for political contributions made by the Nevada Brothel Owners Assn. Sex tycoon Dennis Hof, who owns seven brothels in the state, including the Love Ranch, where Odom was found unconscious, has waged a public relations campaign to stay relevant.
