CHICAGO (FOX 32 / AP) — A convent in suburban Chicago plans to move forward with an effort to close a neighboring strip club even after a legal setback.
"As (Catholics) we take vows, and we have something like this totally opposite going on,” the nuns said.
The Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo are in a battle with the Stone Park strip club, "Allure,” which borders the convent’s property.
On Tuesday, Cook County Circuit Judge Peter Flynn largely came down in favor of the club.
"We’ve wanted to get our day in court to establish that this club was established legally. It operates legally. And we're glad that we got a chance to be vindicated in court,” said Allure’s attorney Daniel Lynch.
Judge Flynn told the Missionary Sisters to rework their lawsuit against the strip club alleging it violates prostitution regulations and is a nuisance.
However, Flynn also dismissed claims that the club violates zoning laws. He asked the nuns' lawyers to provide specific, detailed examples of nuisances or lewd behavior.
"The noise, the late night fighting, litter, condom packages and those types of impact that affect the use and enjoyment of the people who have lived in that community for many years,” said attorney Scott Bergthold.
But the judge said the nuns simply didn't have the evidence to support those claims.
Former club owner Robert Itzkow, now one of the club's attorneys, says while the nuns may not like the type of entertainment they offer, what they’re doing is completely legal.
"It is something in this country that is allowed. It is America. Everyone’s opinions as to what's entertainment are allowed,” Itzkow said.
Despite the ruling, the nuns say they're keeping the faith.
"There is hope. We cannot let our hearts grow faint,” said Sister Noemia. We must "protect our values, and we will not change them," she added.
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