La. Bill to Raise Stripper Age Advances, After Joke

The Louisiana House has agreed to block strip clubs from hiring dancers under the age of 21, the AP reports, but only after a joke from one lawmaker provoked outrage about the treatment of women. During discussion of the bill, Rep. Kenny Havard proposed an amendment that would require strippers to be no older than 28 and no more than 160 pounds. He quickly withdrew it, but female lawmakers were not amused. Fellow Republican Julie Stokes described the amendment as "utterly disrespectful and disgusting." Havard said the amendment was a commentary on overregulation and not aimed at women. The House ended up voting 96-0 for the bill, without the amendment. (More stripper stories.)