Florida lawmakers on Friday, during the last hours of this year’s legislative session, passed a bill that prevents strippers under the age of 21 from working in adult entertainment venues.
This week, senators added the age restriction on strippers to HB 7063, a bill that would try to stop human trafficking.
On Friday, the House took up the amended bill and voted 104-3 to pass it. Sex trafficking can occur in strip clubs, according to Rep. David Borrero, a Republican from Sweetwater.
“It’s common sense,” Borrero said. “We ought to be on the side of young girls who are barely legal.”
But Rep. Michele Rayner, D-St. Petersburg, said lawmakers should not “legislate values” and that young women would be pulled into working at private parties if they are barred from strip clubs.
“This is just another way for women to be controlled,” said Rayner, who nevertheless voted for the bill.
Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, Rep. Yvonne Hinson, D-Gainesville, and Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, cast the dissenting votes.
The bill will now go to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
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