Stripper sues Florida over new-age restrictions on workers

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A 19-year-old woman and the club where she worked as a stripper have sued the Florida attorney general and two local prosecutors to stop enforcement of a new state law that prohibits adult entertainment companies from employing people under 21. , claiming it violates his constitutional rights.

Serenity Michelle Bushey claims in the lawsuit that she lost her job at Café Risque in the Gainesville area after the law went into effect Monday because she is under 21.

The lawsuit was filed Monday in Tallahassee federal court on behalf of Bushey, owner of Café Risque and two adult-use businesses in Jacksonville. He seeks a permanent injunction blocking enforcement of the law, claiming it violates his First Amendment right to free speech and his Fourteenth Amendment right to equal protection.

In addition to Bushey, eight other adult performers over the age of 18 and under the age of 21 cannot work at Café Risque because of the new law, the lawsuit states.

“As with similar artists throughout the state, Bushey earned a living through his art while also providing entertainment for the benefit and enjoyment of his audience,” the lawsuit said. “Plaintiffs have a clear legal right to engage in protected speech of this nature.”

The new law also prohibits the hiring of cooks, DJs, waitresses and security guards over 18 and under 21, or even using third-party workers in this age group to perform tasks such as air conditioning repairs or carpentry, according to the lawsuit. .

Kylie Mason, communications director for the Attorney General’s Office, said Tuesday that the office has not yet been notified of the action but will defend the new law.