Legal News

?Fun, Fit, Sexy!? Dance Studio Settles Suit with Town, Will Open

By Dan Slater

Stephanie Babines and the women of Pennsylvania’s Butler County will be able to pole-dance and stiletto-strut their way to a healthier body.

In August, Babines (pictured) titillated students of zoning and the First Amendment when she filed a federal suit against Adams Township for refusing to allow her to open a dance studio featuring pole-dancing classes on the grounds it’s a sexually oriented business. Babines other offerings — which are all taught and performed fully clothed — include power lap dance, strip tease, “SeXXXercise,” and the stiletto strut.

Last night, the Adams Township zoning board apparently caved and approved a settlement with Babines. Though the settlement won’t become official until it is approved by a federal judge, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the board agreed that Babines can open her studio immediately.

“It’s great that Adams Township will join China in allowing a dance studio for Butler County women who want to learn more about pole dancing, the latest worldwide fitness craze,” said Witold Walczak, the legal director of the American Civil Liberties Foundation of Pennsylvania, which filed the lawsuit on Babines’ behalf.

For those LB’ers who reside in and around Butler County and are in need of some toning, check out Babines’ Web site, OhMyYoureGorgeous.com, for more info.

Full post as published by Law Blog - WSJ.com on October 15, 2008 (boomark / email).