[1][2] The statute was originally sponsored by State Senator Tom Butler of Madison, Alabama as a measure to prohibit nude dancing.
[4] Exemptions exist for "bona fide medical, scientific, educational, legislative, judicial or law enforcement purposes".
[6] Sherri Williams, an adult novelty dealer, and the American Civil Liberties Union challenged the statute on constitutional grounds.
[7] Ross Winner, the owner of Love Stuff, a chain store which sells sex toys, subsequently sued to have the statute declared unconstitutional under the Alabama Constitution.
[citation needed] San Francisco radio personality Big Joe Lopez held a protest outside the federal courthouse in Huntsville, Alabama, giving away sex toys to passersby.