Court rules Seattle can't ban new strip clubs
Seattle no longer can ban new strip clubs, a U.S. District Court ruled today.
The decision means an end to the city's 17-year moratorium on new strip clubs. The city won't appeal.
In anticipation of the ruling, city officials are pressing for a ban on lap dancing with the expectation that increased distance between customers and dancers makes Seattle unattractive as a location for existing and prospective strip club owners.
The lap dancing ban is expected to heard in a City Council committee meeting next week.
Seattle has five strip club licensees and four open strip clubs.
So rejoice strip fans, and civil libertarians. In Western Washington, stripping equals speech. But if the Seattle City Council has its way, the point will be moot because no one will be able to get close enough to see the stripping/speech. Despite the potential for ridicule by late-night talk show hosts and right-wing columnists and shout shows, this is a good day for the Constitution and First Amendment.
Yes, the Constitution even protects strippers. Let's celebrate that this week as we recognize Constitution Day.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
3 comments:
Only 169 days left until summer.
Only 168 days left until summer.
Only 167 days left until summer.
Post a Comment