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U.S. Panel Concludes Md. Strip Law Too Broad

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- A federal appeals court has ruled that a Maryland law restricting the attire and conduct of performers in strip clubs is unconstitutional.

In an opinion issued Thursday by a three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the judges upheld a lower court's permanent injunction issued in April 2009. The judges concluded the Maryland law was too broad and could have applied to dramatic stage performances and ballet.

The Maryland law was challenged by two adult clubs in Prince George's County, The Legend Night Club and the Classics Night Club.

An attorney for the clubs, Jimmy A. Bell, said the Maryland law was so restrictive that it would have essentially outlawed adult entertainment.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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