SC: Federal judge strikes statute regulating “adult business” billboards

A federal judge held that “a South Carolina law limiting the placement of billboards advertising adult businesses is unconstitutional.” The Sign Statute at issue, S.C. Code Ann. § 57-25-145 (enacted in 2006), “prohibits most businesses which offer sexually-oriented materials or entertainment from using any ‘offpremises, outdoor advertising . . . located within one mile of a public highway.’” Grandfathered signs, such as those at issue in this case, were given until February 2009 to come into compliance with the law. Carolina Pride sued and was granted a preliminary injunction–and the government appealed.

For a summary of the case see the Community Defense Counsel.