This week the ACLU of Iowa sent a letter to Pella, Dyersville, and Waukee about ordinances including female and male impersonators, classifying them as adult entertainment. The ACLU charges those ordinances are unconstitutional and is asking those communities to join others who have changed those laws.

ACLU Staff Attorney Shefali Aurora claims the zoning is illegal because it violates free speech, overbroad because it includes all drag shows–regardless if they include sexually explicit content, and violates equal protection laws protecting the LGBTQ community. The ACLU goes on to expand on why they claim these laws are outdated in a press release issued this week. The Pella “adult cabaret” law includes venues that feature “features go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators or similar entertainers.”

The ACLU also reached out to other area communities, including Knoxville, Newton, and Grinnell. Knoxville City Administrator Heather Ussery says a public hearing was held earlier this week to make changes to the ordinance in question.

KNIA/KRLS has sent an email requesting a response from the City of Pella, but has not heard back as of Thursday morning — this is the letter sent to Pella City Council members. The ACLU is requesting a response from Pella and other communities within two weeks of receiving the letter.