19-year-old stripper sues Florida Attorney General over new law banning hiring of workers under 21- Firstpost

A 19-year-old woman and the nightclub where she worked as a stripper are challenging a recently passed Florida law that makes it illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to engage in sex work.

The law, which aims to combat human trafficking, prohibits the employment of anyone under the age of 21 in positions such as entertainers, cooks, DJs, waiters, security guards and contractors. It prohibits the employment of cooks, DJs, waitresses and security guards who are over 18 but under 21, and even the use of workers in that age group from outside contractors hired to perform tasks such as air conditioning repair or carpentry, according to the lawsuit.

Serenity Michelle Bushey, who lost her job at Cafe Risque near Gainesville because of the law, argues it violates constitutional rights, including the First Amendment’s protection of free speech and the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantee of equal protection.

The lawsuit seeks an injunction preventing enforcement of the law, arguing it violates free speech rights and restricts employment opportunities.

The law affected several adult entertainers between the ages of 18 and 21 across the state, including eight others who performed at Cafe Risque, according to the lawsuit.

The plaintiffs argue that their work constitutes artistic expression and that they have the right to perform and entertain audiences.

Kylie Mason, communications director for the Attorney General’s Office, said Tuesday that while the office has not yet received the lawsuit, it intends to defend the legality of the new law.