WASHINGTON: Christian Activist Files Demand For Names Of 70 Local Strippers

A Christian activist in Washington state has filed a public records demand for the business licenses of 70 local strippers, allegedly in order to pray for their souls.

“I would pray for those dancers by name,” David Van Vleet said after the hearing. “I’m a Christian. We have a right to pray for people.” Van Vleet said he also was trying to protect the public’s rights. “I was trying to do something for the public good because that’s why we have the record law,” Van Vleet said. But U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Leighton issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting disclosure of licenses for about 70 dancers and managers at DreamGirls at Fox’s in Parkland. Jenn Kaplan, an attorney for Fox’s, argued release of the licenses would violate the workers’ First Amendment and privacy rights. The licenses include stage and legal names, dates of birth, signatures, photos, height, weight and eye color.

A final decision is due on December 15th.