Speaker Mike Johnson, of the Louisiana House of Representatives, has set out on a moral mission to challenge the proliferation of strip clubs. The 36-year-old Republican was already a rising star before his crusade began; he was elected as House Speaker in January 2020 and is widely expected to run for Governor in 2022.
In June 2019, Johnson sent a letter to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board reminding them of their obligation to ensure “the integrity, dedication, good faith, and loyalty to the gaming laws of this state.” He has also been a vocal opponent of the “Jackpot Payment Schemes” promoted by some strip club owners in Louisiana, claiming that the schemes were “nothing more than a way to maintain an establishment’s illegal and immoral activities.”
Johnson’s crusade against strip clubs has elicited strong opinions on both sides of the aisle. His opposition to the clubs has been praised by social conservatives and decried by those in favor of legal adult entertainment.
Recently, Johnson made news when he teamed up with the Louisiana Family Forum to spearhead a campaign against Cajun Oil Company, a strip club operating in Lafayette. In response, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board has launched an inquiry into the club’s activities.
Not everyone has embraced Johnson’s crusade. State Rep. Dorothy Sue Hill, a Democrat from Baton Rouge, believes that Johnson’s stance is “hostile to adult entertainment,” and that it “abrades the rights of law-abiding businesses.”
While it may be a few more months before Johnson’s moral crusade has any significant impact on the state’s strip club industry, many Louisianans are watching with interest. As Speaker Johnson works to reduce the number of strip clubs in the state, he is sure to face opposition both inside and outside of the legislature, but his campaign is indicative of the commitment he has for creating a better Louisiana.
Mike Johnson’s Moral Crusade: Taking a Stand Against Strip Clubs!
