Legal Definitions - red-light abatement laws

Definition: Red-light abatement laws are ordinances or statutes that aim to eliminate and prohibit sex-oriented businesses, usually on the grounds that they are public nuisances. Historically, brothels were often identified by a red light displayed in a window or in the front yard.

Example: A city council passes a red-light abatement law that prohibits the operation of strip clubs within city limits. The law is based on the argument that strip clubs attract criminal activity and contribute to a decline in property values in the surrounding area.

Explanation: This example illustrates how a red-light abatement law can be used to target a specific type of sex-oriented business. The law is intended to prevent the negative effects that such businesses can have on a community, such as increased crime and decreased property values.