BYU students, dance hosts protest ordinance

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(The Daily Universe) (U-WIRE) PROVO, Utah -- "Provo, 2nd lowest crime rate in U.S., unless you count dancing," reads a bumper sticker created by Brigham Young University students Charles Clawson and John Hash to protest the Provo, Utah, dance ordinance.

Hash and Clawson gave the stickers to Provo City Council members at the City Council meeting Tuesday. Bob Stockwell, Provo chief administrative officer, said the bumper sticker would definitely end up in his scrapbook.

Clawson and Hash attempted to avoid the dance ordinance by being ordained Internet ministers. They were given a $100 fine and a Class B misdemeanor for holding a local dance in November 2001.

Hash, 24, a senior from Othello, Wash., majoring in international politics, said he and Clawson plan to sell the bumper stickers to help pay off their fine.

Clawson and Hash attended the Provo City Council meeting Tuesday because they are concerned the dance ordinance will limit Olympic activities.

"Where can local musicians go to perform their music," said Clawson, 24, a junior majoring in computer science.

Olympic visitors could provide an audience for local musicians, he said. Local bands like Brilliant Stereo Mob and Aberdine want the exposure the Olympics will bring to Provo.

"Currently, the only legal place to hold a dance is the Provo Teen Center," Clawson said. "That is only because it's government-run."

Other clubs which have hosted local musical talent and dancing are no longer able to, Clawson said.

Stockwell said Clawson and Hash are trying to link two separate issues -- dances and concerts.

"What it really boils down to is how it's laid out," he said. "If it's an open floor with a band, then it's a dance. If it's a band with chairs set up, it's a concert."

Some students fighting the dance ordinance want to plan events during the Olympics.

Dances and local music could be appealing to students who will not be able to travel home during the Olympics.

Provo City Council recommended students submit suggestions to them in writing.

"We have talked in private to some of the City Council members and they say we almost have enough votes to overturn the ordinance," Clawson said.

Clawson said he spoke with the attorney on hand so he could better interpret the ordinance in relation to Olympic activities.

"The 1980s hit, 'Footloose,' with Kevin Bacon, was meant to be a comedy, not a reality," said Dennis Thorne, a psychology major at the University of Utah.

Since the November clash, Clawson has had the "Minister" title removed from his name.

Hash said a BYU professor gave the pair the idea to become ministers.