Pubdate: Tue, 16 Sep 2003
Source: Oklahoma Daily, The (OK Edu)
Copyright: 2003 Oklahoma Daily
Contact:  http://www.oudaily.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1371
Note: This paper is published by the University of Oklahoma
Author: Ashley Fantz - Knight-Ridder Tribune

CRITICS SAY ANTI-DRUG LAW PROMOTES PROFILING

The New Act Aims To Stop Drug Use In Clubs

MIAMI -- Young people who like to dance until dawn at clubs say a new
federal statute amounts to an attack on their culture, while promoters
fear it will put them out of business.

The source of their anguish is the Illicit Anti-Drug Proliferation
Act, Congress' attempt to reduce drug use in nightclubs.

"It is definitely viewed by people who love electronic music as
unfair," said Miami Beach, Fla., resident Humberto Guida, 24, a fan of
the music.

Passed in April, the law makes it possible for a promoter or building
owner to be charged with a felony if anyone at an event uses or sells
drugs. Politicians and federal law enforcers say it's the kind of
hard-line approach needed to keep young people away from drugs.

Sen. Joe Biden, sponsor of the legislation, made clear it targets
"rave"-type affairs where young people dance, chug bottled water, wave
"glow sticks" and take the designer drug Ecstasy.

Although he reworked, renamed and reintroduced the legislation this
year, its intent remained basically the same. This time the
legislation passed, incorporated into the Controlled Substance Act.

Critics contend the act is an open invitation to a kind of musical
profiling.

The law has spurred electronic music devotees to get organized. A
group called Ravers Against Opposition to Raves (ROAR) spearheaded a
Sept. 6 protest on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

"We're being vilified by people who don't understand electronic
music," said Legba Carrefour, director of ROAR.

Added Dade Sokoloff, former owner of Miami electronic hot spot Shadow
Lounge: "To say Ecstasy goes hand in hand with electronic music is the
same thing as saying marijuana is smoked by everyone who loves hip-hop."

South Florida authorities have yet to enforce the 5-month-old statute.
Recent raids at Club Space and eight other venues made use of other
anti-drug laws. But Joe Kilmer, spokesman for the Drug Enforcement
Administration, indicated it is only a matter of time.
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