U.S. Supreme Court Rules Adult Ordinance OK

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Justices decided Monday that a Colorado city's adult business license ordinance does not violate the First Amendment.

The case involves Z.J. Gifts, which opened an adult bookstore doing business as Christal’s in a section of Littleton, Colo., not zoned for adult businesses. Instead of applying for a license, the company filed suit saying the ordinance violated the First Amendment's free speech provisions.

The Supreme Court was asked to determine what judicial process is constitutionally required in an adult-business licensing case.

In 1993, Littleton passed an ordinance requiring that adult businesses obtain licenses, in effect restricting the possible locations for such businesses.

In 1999, Z.J. Gifts opened what the city characterized as an adult business in an impermissible location.

Prior to opening, the city informed Z.J. Gifts that the location was not an acceptable adult-business location but Z.J. Gifts countered that the business was not an adult business as defined in the ordinance.

Z.J. Gifts filed a civil rights suit, claiming that the ordinance violated Z.J. Gifts' First Amendment rights. Specifically, Z.J. Gifts claimed the ordinance was an improper prior restraint because the ordinance process had a potential indefinite time period.

The U.S. District Court granted the Littleton's motion for summary judgment. But the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed in part, determining that the judicial review portion and pre-application requirements of the adult-business ordinance were unconstitutional.

A federal judge ruled for the city, but a federal appeals court panel in Denver said the city's ordinance did not include a provision to ensure a "prompt final judicial decision."

The courts have said the First Amendment requires a licensing scheme to ensure quick judicial review of an administrative denial.

Writing for the court, Justice Stephen Breyer said the Littleton ordinance meets the constitutional requirement.

Breyer said that when an ordinance regulates the conditions of an adult business' operation, but does not censor its content, Colorado's normal system of review is adequate.

The case is City of Littleton, Colo., vs. Z.J. Gifts LLC, No. 02-1609.

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Tennessee Bill Would Require Warnings on Adult Stores

The Tennessee Senate has passed a bill requiring adult stores, theaters and other establishments in the state to post warning signs cautioning patrons that they “may be contributing” to sexual assault and human trafficking.

Motorbunny Debuts 'Mt. Gushmore' Grinder Attachment

Motorbunny has introduced its Mt. Gushmore grinder attachment for its Buck sex machine.

Like a Kitten Names Matie Fricker Director of Education and Community Outreach

Like a Kitten has named Matie Fricker as its new director of education and community outreach.

Report: Irish Regulator Seeks 'Industry Input' on AV Compliance

Irish media regulator Coimisiún na Meán (CnaM) will draw on “industry input” to help establish a framework for assessing platforms’ compliance with Ireland’s Online Safety Code and the EU’s Digital Services Act, news organization MLex reports.

Wicked Sensual Care Debuts 'Arousal Serum' From 'Simply Timeless' Line

Wicked Sensual Care (WSC) has introduced the Arousal Serum lubricant from its Simply Timeless line.

Canadian Senate Approves National Age Verification Bill

Canada’s Senate on Wednesday passed bill S-209, the “Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act,” which would require commercial adult websites to verify that Canadian users are at least 18 years old.

Blush Expands 'EnLust' Stroker Collection

Blush has introduced three new stroker sleeves from its EnLust line.

European Commission: Age Verification App Ready For Use

The European Commission’s age verification app is now technically ready and will soon be available for EU citizens to use in order to prove their age when accessing online platforms, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Tuesday.

UK House of Commons Moves to Tone Down Porn Amendments

The House of Commons has modified amendments to the U.K.’s pending Crime and Policing Bill, including provisions regulating “step” content, content featuring adults role-playing as minors, and performers’ ability to withdraw consent.

Holiday Now Shipping 'Moonbloom' Collection From Intimate Earth

Holiday Products is now shipping the Moonbloom line of personal lubricants from Intimate Earth.

Show More