The new Puritans

Some people just can't help being fun-hating killjoys. It seems we've got a few right here in Los Angeles, which doesn't exactly have a reputation for prudery. Are they religious fundies? Nope, they're actually on the other side of the political sprctrum.

Several city officials on Tuesday sharply criticized a planned bikini contest to raise money for spaying pets, saying the "Hooters for Neuters" event was degrading to women.

Hosted by the Hooters restaurant chain, the July 13 fundraiser will donate money to the spay and neuter programs at Los Angeles Animal Services.

"Are we going backward here?" said City Controller Laura Chick. "We are a city with all kinds of progressive programs that empower women and end discrimination in the workplace, and now we're being connected with a Hooters bikini contest. It isn't right."

Councilwoman Jan Perry said the department's attempt to be creative in telling pet owners to sterilize their animals "crosses the line."

"I was surprised and amazed with the photograph on the flier, and I don't think it projects a good image for the city of Los Angeles," Perry said.

Sigh. I'm guessing that none of the women who will be in the bikini contest are being forced to participate. Oh, and a bikini contest "crosses the line," but the kind of beefcake on display at the L.A. Gay Pride Parade? I doubt Perry would utter a peep about that. [That link is somewhat NSFW, by the way.]

And this is going to raise money for animal shelters. They should be glad that people want to get involved, even if it's Hooters.

Thankfully, the article says the fundraiser is going forward as planned.