The Duncanville City Council this week approved changes meant to strengthen an ordinance banning sex clubs.

The city adopted the ordinance in November to close down the Cherry Pit, a swingers club where guests can mingle, dance and have sex. Residents Jim Trulock, 59, and Julie M. Norris, 30, operate the club in their home.

City officials call the club a public nuisance. Mr. Trulock says the ordinance violates his privacy rights.

Mr. Trulock sued the city over the ordinance, and the lawsuit is pending.

The changes make the definition of a sex club more general and add a local appeal process for sex clubs that the city orders to close. City Attorney Bob Hager said allowing appeals to the city’s Board of Adjustment might prevent future lawsuits.