Scottsdale, Arizona- Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted [pictured] and a dozen Scottsdale religious leaders have joined the fight against the city’s two strip clubs. Olmsted, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, and fellow Catholic and Protestant leaders are endorsing Proposition 401, the Yeson401.com committee announced Friday.

The measure would solidify tougher regulations against Babe’s Cabaret and Skin Cabaret, which are both on Scottsdale Road.

The endorsements give the Center for Arizona Policy-backed Yeson401.com committee an even greater Christian, social conservative presence.

The Yeson401.com committee has included a link for churches on its Web site where it provides a flier available for download and encourages churches to distribute the flier during Sunday School and in the church bulletin.

This week, the Yeson401.com committee started placing “tens of thousands” of phone calls to Scottsdale voters with a recorded message featuring Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas, who said the new restrictions on sexually oriented businesses are needed to protect the public health and safety.

Early voting is under way for the Sept. 12 election. If Proposition 401 is approved, a new 4-foot distance requirement for semi-nude dancers will go into effect, which Babe’s Cabaret and Skin Cabaret owners say will put them out of business. Babe’s Cabaret is partially owned by adult-film mogul Jenna Jameson.

Meanwhile, the No on 401 committee, which is being funded by the two clubs, has been distributing campaign fliers, airing television commercials and running full-page newspaper ads.

In addition to Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, the other faith community leaders endorsing Proposition 401 are:

• Senior pastor Larry Anderson, Scottsdale Bible Church. • Father Andrew Barakos, Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.

• Senior pastor David Friend, Scottsdale First Assembly.

• The Rev. Michael Straley, Dean of the Scottsdale Catholic Deanery.

• Executive pastor Frank Stravinski, Chaparral Christian Church.

• The Rev. Pat Robinson, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

• Senior pastor Richard Casteel, Grace Chapel.

• Senior pastor Terry Crist, CitiChurch.

• Senior pastor Dale Gray, Rock Church.

• Senior pastor Les Hughey, Highlands Church.

• Senior pastor W. Berry Norwood, First Southern Baptist Church of Scottsdale.

• Senior pastor Bruce Johnson, Scottsdale Presbyterian Church.