Grand Rapids Ban On Nude Dancing Upheld For Now
A federal judge ruled that Grand Rapids, Michigan may begin enforcing new restrictions against strip clubs prohibiting nude or topless performances. The judge deferred ruling on the constitutionality of the ordinance adopted in April, 2006, until later this fall.
Mark London filed suit against the city of Grand Rapids to prevent the new ordinance from taking effect alleging the new ordinances violate his constitutional rights. London owns one strip club in the city and had planned to open another until the new ordinance was enacted.
Among the restrictions placed on clubs in the city is that all dancers must wear pasties and G-strings, stay at least six feet away from patrons, and must dance on a stage elevated above the floor.
Unfortunately for strip club owners and patrons alike, the new clothing requirements for dancers are nothing more than one can see at a public beach.
News reports indicate that a grassroots citizens’ group has donated $100,000 to the city to help defray legal costs incurred in their battle to eliminate nudity in strip clubs.
This latest battle in Michigan is typical of what is happening in communities all across America. Cities in numerous states like California, Washington, Utah, and Minnesota have enacted or are considering laws prohibiting full nudity and female toplessness in strip clubs. Apparently the rights of the patrons, owners, and dancers do not matter.
Strippers Rally To Protest Proposed Ban On Private Rooms
2006-08-19 – San Francisco, CA
Strippers in San Francisco rallied to voice their opposition to a proposed ban on private rooms in city gentlemen’s clubs.
About 50 dancers got together to protest outside of city hall as the San Francisco Entertainment Commission held a public hearing about a proposed ban.
The dancers are opposed to a ban on private rooms because many of them derive a significant portion of their income from work in these rooms.
The city is considering a ban to prevent sexual assaults against dancers and prostitution.