Jim Ogston

Jim Ogston is from Medicine Hat, Alberta. He is best-known for leading a group that fought for the right for businesses to sell pornography without the restrictions proposed by Medicine Hat city council. At times he has been described as the "pro-pornography" candidate. The proposed restrictions were mainly that stores or businesses whose primary activities were adult in nature should be located in industrial areas of the city, away from residences and schools. As well, there would be a limitation on how close they could be together to avoid creating an "adult" district. Ultimately, the forces led by Jim Ogston were defeated and the restrictions made into law.

The team led by Mr. Ogston did not consider itself as "pro-pornography." Rather they felt their fight was one of civil liberties. They felt that this law was one which restricted freedom of choice. However, the group he led was one which also included a number of merchants which would be negatively affected by the law. As well, it was felt that Mr. Ogston was using the issue to raise his public profile for the upcoming civic elections. Thus, the neutrality of the group has been questioned.

Groups in favour of the bylaw restricting the sale of adult material felt that free choice was not being limited. The pornographic items would still be for sale. However, the pro-bylaw groups felt that community standards were being enforced and that pornographic materials or businesses should not be located near schools or homes. Their argument was that living next to an adult store or having your children go to school near one could be bothersome for some people, so that by restricting this good community standards would be reinforced.

2004 Civic Elections

Mr. Ogston ran for council in Medicine Hat in 2001 and was defeated. In 2004 he ran again but was again defeated, finishing well out of the running. Mr. Ogston was in the bottom third of candidates for total votes gained. His stance on the pornography issue failed to capture the voters' backing and instead candidates who had supported the bylaw were returned to office. Thus, it would appear that the citizens of Medicine Hat have embraced the restrictions on pornography and agree with limiting where adult businesses can be located in Medicine Hat.