Penthouse deal irks porn fighters

Penthouse magazine publisher Bob Guccione is negotiating to purchase the building that houses Women Against Pomography, a group that has for two years fought Times Square pornography, writes Monitor correspondent Chris Swan.

The deal is contingent on restrictions preventing pornographic use of the property; and the seller, 42nd Street Development Corporation, says it will reconsider if such restrictions are unenforcable.

Women Against Pornography, which has been occupying the space rent-free, has expressed outrage. "We have always known we would have to move when someone came along with money to upgrade the area. And that was okay," says an organization source. "But, when we found out it was Bob Guccione, then it wasn't okay."

Mr. Guccione says his interest is in improving the area and that he didn't know that the women's organization was there. "I don't know what they are up to , and I don't care," he told the Monitor. "I don't believe in little right-wing hate groups, be they Moral Majority or whatever. In my opinion, they are all fascists. They should get down on their knees and thank God someone is trying to help the city."

Electing to remain on their feet, Women Against Pornography hopes to block the sale to Mr. Guccion e, whether they are evicted or not.