Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office has asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging a new Florida law that prohibits individuals under the age of 21 from working in adult entertainment establishments.
The law (HB 7063), signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in May, aims to protect young workers from exploitation and human trafficking, according to the state.
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Filed by operators of two nude-dancing clubs, a performer, and an adult retail store, the lawsuit claims the law violates First Amendment rights by restricting free expression. However, the state’s 35-page motion argues that the law is narrowly focused on protecting vulnerable young adults from human trafficking, unrelated to suppressing free speech.
“The statute furthers an important or substantial governmental interest unrelated to the suppression of free expression,” the state’s motion reads, emphasizing that the law is part of broader anti-trafficking efforts.
The plaintiffs, which include Café Risque in Alachua County and Sinsations in Jacksonville, argue the law unfairly targets potential victims rather than traffickers. They also contend that no evidence links human trafficking to adult entertainment establishments.
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While much of the focus is on dancers, the law also prohibits adult entertainment establishments from employing workers under 21, even if they are not performers, such as those working at adult retail stores like Exotic Fantasies.
The case is now in the hands of U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor.
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