DALLAS — The Dallas City Council voted today to prevent Exxxotica Expo from returning to the city-owned Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
Exxxotica, which has other adult consumer shows in New Jersey, Florida and California, came to the Dallas convention center last August for three days.
The August edition of Exxxotica, however, was met with protest from some in the community who said the event's sponsors included online escort services, which contribute to sex trafficking. Many appeared at today’s hearing and vote.
Today’s vote, 8-7, came after Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings requested a resolution be drawn up to bar the expo from the convention center.
"I believe in civil liberties, as well as in my civic obligation to fight for what is right for the city of Dallas,” he said. “Based on what I know about this organization and event, it is not something that belongs in our city."
According to WFAA, Dallas’ ABC affiliate, only one person spoke in favor of the expo remaining at the convention center at the city council meeting.
Exxotica promoter J. Handy told the council that he may consider legal action against the city.
Following the vote, Handy told WFAA he was on his way to meet with his attorney to discuss a potential lawsuit.
"It’s certainly not anything that we ever looked forward to," Handy said. "But that being said, it’s our duty to stand up and fight for our rights and what we believe in. At this point, we are well within our rights to be here.”
