ADULT ENTERTAINMENT IMPRESARIO FILES SUIT...BUT NOT OVER WHAT YOU MIGHT THINK!

Joe Redner has made tons of money over the years because he is Tampa Bay's king of the strip clubs. His Mons Venus club is known the world over, as well as Hillsborough County officials occasional efforts to close his businesses down.

He's also an activist who believes in free speech and property rights, and has fought those battles as well. Joe Redner is now filing suit against the Hillsborough County Commission over another issue, it's decision earlier this year to "abstain from acknowledging, promoting and participating" in gay pride events.

The commission, led by theocrat Ronda Storms, made the decision earlier this year after a group of parents complained about a Gay Pride Month display at one of the county library branches. They later voted to require a public hearing and a supermajority vote by the board to overturn the policy.

The Tampa Tribune reports that Redner's lawsuit seeks an injunction against the policy, citing violations of free speech and equal protection rights. (The St. Petersburg Times also has a story on this issue)

Joe has our quote of the day, included in the lawsuit, from when he appeared before the BOCC in June when they took their initial vote:

"Too bad in your law school days you didn't learn about the First Amendment and content discrimination."

Whatever you may think about Joe Redner or his businesses, you've got to give the man credit. While the policy doesn't necessairly affect him personally (you won't find too many gays being attracted to Mons Venus...at least, I don't believe so), he's taking a stand against discrimination and putting his significant money and legal expertise behind that stand. I say, WAY TO GO, JOE!

I should also mention that Norwood, one of the area's best liberal blogs, features this issue...it's worth your read.