Are robot sex brothels the wave of the future?
Businessman Yuval Gavriel has opened one location in Toronto, called KinkySdollS, and has announced a second location in Houston set to open in the next few weeks.
Before launching his new business endeavor, he consulted with an attorney to check out any possible legal issues.
"He went through all the laws and all of the regulations and currently there are no regulations for this kind of service," Gavriel said.
However, one lawyer did advise him to perhaps avoid the use of the word “brothel.”
Instead, Gavriel will be running a “showroom” where for $60 customers can have a half-hour 'try before you buy' with a life-sized doll that’s “warm and ready to play.”
After the “test drive,” folks will return the robots for cleaning.
Response to the announcement has, of course, managed to bring outrage from some folks calling for regulations against sex robot brothels.
According to John Banzhaf, a law professor at George Washington University, sex robots are currently legal in 49 states. The lone holdout would be Alabama which has a state-wide ban on sex toys.
Lawmakers in the U.S. House have already unanimously passed the CREEPER Act authored by Rep. Dan Donovan, R-N.Y., in June to ban importation and interstate commerce involving sex dolls that resemble children. The Senate hasn’t acted on the legislation at this time.
A non-profit group called Elijah Rising, whose mission is to end sex trafficking, has launched a petition protesting the “showroom” in Houston. The effort has already garnered over 6,700 signatures.
One local citizen, Andrea Paul, told Fox News affiliate KTRK, "There's kids around here and it's a family-oriented neighborhood and I live right here and to have that here is just gross."
Comments on a Fox News post about the “showroom” echoed that sentiment, but there were also some that ranged from more accepting of the concept to downright hilarious:
• “This is better than prostitution, so I don't see anything wrong with it. Weird, but not immoral.”
• “Not for me; however it does not violate my rights nor anyone else’s, nor does it come at any cost to me. So, I say ‘have at it.’”
• “These robots are the future. Men can have a relationship, a friend, a fling, or not, and don’t have to worry about it kissing and telling, or just plain making up a story. This is awesome. Finally, the female replacement we’ve longed for since Eve got Adam in trouble. Finally; sports, beer, video games, and this. Jackpot!”
• "Brings a whole new meaning to the term 'computer virus' I wonder if there is an antibiotic for that??"
• "I sure hope they are able to open soon. My roomba has a birthday coming up and I want to take him out. Saw him chasing the cat again the other day, so I want someone more his type!"
Gavriel told the Washington Examiner that he’s currently in talks with investors to open more locations in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. He hopes to have 10 locations open by 2020.
All of the news footage seems to feature female robots. No word on whether Gavriel will include male robots as well.
