Florida court considers law banning under-21 strippers in adult venues

In July, a lawsuit was filed against a new Florida law that prohibits individuals under 21 from working in adult entertainment venues, including nude-dancing establishments. The plaintiffs, which include operators of Cafe Risque and Sinsations, argue that the law infringes on their First Amendment rights by limiting their ability to hire employees of their choosing. They contend that the law does not adequately consider less restrictive alternatives and lacks evidence linking human trafficking to adult entertainment venues. The Florida Attorney General's office, led by Ashley Moody, has responded by urging a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit, asserting that the law is designed to protect vulnerable individuals from human trafficking. The state argues that the legislation is narrowly tailored to serve a significant governmental interest and does not entirely ban adult entertainment but rather restricts the employment of a specific age group. The law, known as HB 7063, was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in May and has drawn attention for its implications on free speech and employment rights within the adult entertainment industry. The plaintiffs claim that the law has a chilling effect on their speech rights and that it fails to demonstrate a direct connection between human trafficking and adult entertainment establishments. The case is currently assigned to U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor, who will consider the arguments from both sides. The outcome could have significant implications for the adult entertainment industry in Florida and the balance between regulatory interests and First Amendment protections.