Note:

James A. Boone, Zoning—First Amendment—Equal Protection—Zoning Ordinance Regulating “Adult” Theatres and Bookstores Violates Equal Protection Because the Legislative Classification Impermissibly Discriminates on the Basis of Content Distinctions. American Mini Theatres, Inc. v. Gribbs, 518 F.2d 1014 (6^th Cir.), cert. granted, 96 S. Ct. 214 (1975).  (No. 75-312), 54 Tex. L. Rev. 422 (1976). 

Abstract:

The author evaluates a 6^th circuit decision holding that a zoning ordinance unnecessarily employing a content distinction that affects free speech violates the equal protection clause. Detroit imposed a zoning ordinance that prohibited an “adult” theatres or bookstore from operating within 1000 feet of similar businesses. The purpose was to protect neighborhoods from clusters of these entities. The author criticizes the 6^th circuit decision as contrary to the Supreme Court’s pronouncements on the case and urges reversal of the 6^th circuit.