It seems Abbotsford just can’t escape controversy over the type of entertainment that comes to town.
As opponents to the Taboo Sex Show were celebrating last week over the cancellation of the Abbotsford date, they were bemoaning the announcement of the arrival of the Lingerie Football League (LFL) here this summer.
The Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre will be home to a team of women who play football in helmets, padding, bras and panties.
It’s not exactly the kind of entertainment that puts this city on the cultural map.
It also raises an array of social questions involving the sexual exploitation of women, and the messaging to youth.
Understandably, many people look with considerable dismay at this “sport,” and the society that tolerates it. However, they won’t be the ones attending the games. And those who will go obviously won’t be sharing the concerns.
Morality issues aside, it’s money that motivated the deal to bring this type of entertainment here.
And ultimately, just as we suspect was the case with the Taboo show, rather than community opposition, it will be dollars that decide whether the LFL stays or moves on.
The AESC has been running a deficit in the millions since it opened in 2009. Global Spectrum is tasked with managing the facility – ostensibly at a profit.
Hence, it’s difficult to turn away opportunities that will generate revenue, which the LFL will do, since the league is renting the facility.
Meanwhile, Mayor Banman is declining to be the “morality police” for the community.
We agree with that perspective.
This is an issue on which we’ll vote with our own values – and wallets.