Like it or not, juice bars are protected by First Amendment rights. The Iowa Legislature recently banned all totally nude dancing. In response, the Iowa Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the ban.

Freedom of speech — whether in print, in the theater or on stage at a juice bar — is guaranteed. Even if one would not personally choose to attend a juice bar, one should still have the freedom to do so and recognize this freedom of others. It is this sort of “agreeing to disagree” that underlies our Constitution.

Principle is more important than venue. When venue comes into play, we begin to walk a fine line of censorship. If nudity in magazines is all right, then when, where and why should nudity or nude dancing be allowed? More importantly, who decides what is right or wrong for all?

Further, people have argued for the ban, citing the kind of crowd juice bars attract. Just because people view nudity does not mean they are more likely to commit violent acts. It is far more dangerous to stereotype a category of people.

It’s a sad commentary on society when events which promote violence, such as pro wrestling, boxing or ultimate fighting, are not only legal but widely accepted. After all, won’t promoting violence produce more violence than promoting nudity?