A Calgary judge has made a decision on a constitutional challenge of the municipal Land Use Bylaw regarding the future of group sex parties in the city.
According to a court ruling released this week, orgies are permitted and fully legal in the City of Calgary — but not if they are planned through organized social clubs that use a house as a base of operations.
Calgary resident Matthew Mills filed the challenge against the Land Use Bylaw after he was informed in 2019 that his ‘Club Menage,’ ran out of his residential home in the city’s northwest, violated the bylaw. The rule permits homes from hosting social organizations events.
Mills claimed in his challenge that he was the target of “moralistic and disproportionate enforcement,” and alleged his freedom of conscience, right to peaceful assembly, and freedom of associations, were being infringed upon.
Justice Nick Devlin, in his written decision, says the regulation simply limits club-based gatherings in residential homes, rather than targeting lifestyle choices.
“This limit does not touch upon or preclude the use of one’s home for the private hosting of social gatherings, including when these involve gatherings of individuals who share common sexual philosophies, interests, and activities,” reads the decision from the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta. “What he cannot do is run an organized social club from his home.”
According to court documents, Mills operated the club out of his detached home in the northwest neighbourhood of Silver Springs.
‘Club Menage’ had its own website and attendees were required to purchase a membership to take part. There were $30 tickets sold to cover the costs of home preparation, snacks and drinks.