It’s a great day for those who believe in the power of free speech in advertising. In a way, anyway.
The Associated Press reports that federal Judge John Corbett O’Meara ruled Michigan’s restrictions on signs promoting sexually oriented businesses is unconstitutional.
[O’Meara] ruled in favor of the Penthouse Club, a Detroit strip club. He says the new law violates the First Amendment because it bans all images on signs.
The law says signs outside an adult business can only display words, numbers and trademarks. The Penthouse Club has a large sign with a woman in a short skirt and skimpy top.
The judge issued a preliminary injunction stopping enforcement of the law, which took effect in March. O’Meara said Tuesday the law illegally singles out sexually oriented businesses only.
To look at the ad in question, click here. You’ll note that the frame — and the size of it — looks like it was taken from the props department of “Caligula,” another Bob Guccione venture.
The Michigan Lawyer 