JEFFERSON CITY, MO. (AP) -- An attorney for sexual businesses wants a Missouri judge to temporarily block new restrictions on strip clubs and adult book stores from taking effect Saturday.
Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem said he hopes to make a decision by Friday.
At issue is a law that keeps new sexually oriented businesses away from homes, schools, churches and parks. It also bans full nudity, alcohol and touching between employees and patrons. And it requires the businesses to close by midnight.
An attorney for sexual businesses argued Thursday the restrictions violate free speech and expression rights and that legislators violated procedures when passing the law.
A lawyer for the state said similar laws have been upheld elsewhere, and that legislators have the leeway not to follow their own rules.
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