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Oct 23, 2006 7:20 pm US/Central
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Protesters Bash Pimp And Ho Halloween Party
by Mike Parker
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
One of the biggest Halloween events in the city features women in provocative dress and men in big hats and bright suits.
The so-called Pimp and Ho Halloween Party draws more than 1,000 people to a Chicago club in the West Loop. But CBS 2's Mike Parker reports the celebration is also drawing howls from protesters.
This Saturday night, the otherwise non-descript Transit Nightclub at 1431 W. Lake St. will transform itself into the site of the 6th annual Pimp and Ho Halloween Party where guests pretend to be procurers and their prostitutes.
"Something a little bit different than the normal Halloween party where everybody comes dressed up as Captain Crunch or a fireman," said party organizer Brad Altman.
But the Chicago woman who heads up the Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation thinks these kinds of bashes send terrible messages.
"The way that pimps treat women in prostitution is horribly violent and degrading. Women in prostitution are victims of rape at their pimps hands," said Rachel Durchslag.
"If i felt this party was offensive, I don't think that's something that I would be involved in," Altman said.
At Fantasy Costumes, it's clear people at home are acting out these roles at parties too. Pimp suits, sexy costumes and sparkling bling are hot sellers this year.
"It's odd for people to have pimp and ho parties, but yeah, its a big thing," said Cathy Bunger at Fantasy Costumes.
Although party promoter Altman thinks protestors are "barking up the wrong tree," he also says he takes their concerns seriously.
He says he is thinking seriously about changing the name of the bash starting next year.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)