NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal judge has temporarily blocked enforcement of a new Louisiana law aimed at keeping people under age 21 from performing in strip clubs.
U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier (BAHR'-bee-aye) issued the order in a lawsuit filed last month by three anonymous women — ages 18, 19 and 20.
Backers called the law a tool to fight human trafficking. The women argue it violates their right to free expression, illegally deprives them of income and discriminates against them based on age and gender.
Barbier's ruling, dated Friday, says a delay in enforcement pending further action would do no harm to the state, while immediate enforcement would cause "irreparable injury" in the form of lost income for the women.
Hearings have not yet been set in the case.
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last commentWow...intelligence in LA government. Who'd a thunk it was possible!
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Don't get too excited. It's likely just a temporary restraining order which can expire in short order. It's a good sign but far from over.
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How much you want to bet Judge Barbier's been in a few strip clubs during his lifetime.
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rockstar666, to be fair he was a federal judge and not from Louisiana. Maybe that explains the brilliant ruling! ;)
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Haven't been following this story, and don't understand what this has to do with human trafficking? I've never seen any evidence of pimping in strip clubs, but maybe it happens in other cities. These girls are old enough to vote or enlist, so why should you deny them the right to make a killing financially while they're young and beautiful? With the right planning they can retire from dancing at age 21.
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That's good news. Hey a smart judge. Who woulda thought!
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If you can say that they have to be 21, then you could say that they have to be 30, 40, or 50, or that there just can't be strippers.
But no, 18yo is our age of majority, by constitutional amendment, and stripping is a free speech right. Melvin Belli was one of the attorneys who helped establish this.
I told you this Louisiana restriction would be over turned.
The exception is that they can tie restrictions to the alcohol licensing, but these are primarily rules about alcohol, not nudity.
SJG
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