Mo. Supreme Court: Strip Club Law Unconstitutional

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Declaring that a proposed law that sought to bar nude dancing and personal lap dances in gentlemen’s clubs was unconstitutional because the language of the bill changed too much as it was pushed through the Legislature, the Missouri Supreme Court has struck it down.

“The three provisions regulating adult entertainment that were added to the fourth version of the bill during the next-to-last day of the session were not remotely within the original purpose of the bill, but rather constitute a textbook example of the legislative logrolling that [the constitutional provision] is intended to prevent,” Supreme Court Judge Ronnie White in the court’s unanimous opinion.

The law sought to impose a ban on full nudity, and would have barred dancers and patrons from touching, required customers to be 21 years old, and would have required dancers to perform behind a rail at least 10 feet away from customers.

Cole County Circuit Judge Richard Callahan ruled against the proposed law days before it was set to go on the books on Aug. 28, 2005.

Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Mo., proposed the law, which he argued would have reduced the supposed negative effects of adult businesses. Because of the bill’s unconstitutional changes, the court did not rule on the larger question of 1st Amendment rights, but the Associated Press reported that Bartle was likely to introduce a similar bill.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that Sen. Bartle will try to introduce new legislation that will push forward his personal thoughts on what morality ought to be,” Missouri Association of Club Executives attorney Richard Bryant said.

Bartle has not had much success trying to regulate adult expression this year. A federal appeals court recently struck down his proposed bill banning sexually suggestive billboards along Missouri highways. The court ruled that Bartle’s effort was an unconstitutional restriction of commercial speech. Bartle already has proposed new legislation on that front for next year’s legislative session.

Copyright © 2025 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

Full Circle Debuts New 'Cleo Feather' Vibe

Pleasure brand Full Circle has introduced its new Cleo Feather Tickler vibrator.

Pjur Launches 'Toy' Line in North America

Pjur has announced its Toy series of wellness products will be available for purchase in the U.S. starting in September.

Orion Expands Cottelli 'Costumes' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced two new outfits from its Cottelli Costumes line.

Harry Styles' Lifestyle Brand Enters Sexual Wellness Space With 'Pleasing Yourself' Vibe, Lube

Pleasing, the lifestyle brand founded by Harry Styles, has launched its first sexual wellness product line, Pleasing Yourself, featuring a double-sided vibrator and a silicone lubricant.

Tenga Names Kyrie Hara Sales Lead

Japanese pleasure brand Tenga has appointed Kyrie Hara as its new sales lead for Tenga USA.

Electric Novelties Expands 'Together' Collection

Electric Novelties has introduced four new items from its Together collection.

Motorbunny Debuts 'Grip' Stroker Attachment

Motorbunny has introduced its Grip stroker sleeve attachment for its sex machines.

SOS Distribution Names Jake Solorzano Account Executive

SOS Distribution has appointed Jake Solorzano as its new account executive.

Orion Debuts 'RC Flashing Butt Plug' From 'Anos' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the RC Flashing Butt Plug from its Anos line.

Two Texas Bills Restricting Sex Toy Sales Fail to Pass

Two bills aimed at restricting sales of sex toys have failed to pass the Texas state legislature during its 2025 session.

Show More