Wales padlock law
The Wales padlock law, enacted in New York City in 1927, was a regulation aimed at controlling public morality through the oversight of entertainment venues. This law empowered the inspector of the Department of Licenses to assess the appropriateness of stage productions, including burlesque shows and plays, and report any perceived violations against decency and public welfare. The legislation was influenced by prominent cases, notably that of actress Mae West, who faced legal challenges for her provocative play "Sex." This play was subject to police raids and ultimately shut down due to its content, which was deemed immoral by certain societal groups. The Wales padlock law reflects the societal tensions of the era concerning censorship and the limits of artistic expression. By concentrating moral authority in the hands of a single inspector, the law raised questions about the subjectivity of morality and the potential for censorship in the arts. Overall, it serves as a historical example of how public sentiment can shape legislation, particularly in the realm of entertainment.
Wales padlock law
Enacted: 1927
Place: New York, New York
Significance: This city ordinance gave New York City police authority to close down stage productions
The Wales padlock law was one of several ordinances that New York City enacted in 1927 under the broad title of Amusements and Entertainments; they were all sponsored by Mayor James Walker. The Wales padlock law dealt with public morals, authorizing the inspector of the Department of Licenses to investigate the character of exhibitions and report any offenses against morality, decency, and public welfare. The law gave one person authority to determine morality of all stage productions, including burlesque shows that included strip-tease dancing, and stage plays.
The ordinance was partly inspired by the high-profile case of actress Mae West, who was arrested in April, 1926, on morals charges while appearing in Sex, a long-running play that she had written herself. The play was raided and shut down by the police, at the urging of the Society for the Suppression of Vice, which had a voice on the ordinance committee. West was convicted of corrupting the morals of the youth because she exposed her gyrating navel during a belly dance.