(WOAI) Several San Antonio strip clubs  today filed a federal lawsuit against the City of San Antonio, claiming that the new restrictions placed on sexually oriented businesses by City Council last month amount to unconstitutional restrictions on free speech.

City Council tightened up restrictions on who qualifies as a sexually oriented business, how much skin must be covered up, and tightened zoning regulations for the operations.

"Such enforcement eliminates, prevents, chills and or discourages and ultimately totally restrains Plaintiffs from owning, operating and participating in the presentation of constitutionally protected free speech in the form of dance performances, now arbitrarily banned in San Antonio," the lawsuit reads.

The seven topless clubs which filed the lawsuit claim that 'the presentation of expressive dance performances is a beneficial social activity which creates an improved self image for the dancer and joy and entertainment for the beholder.  The plaintiffs consider the appreciation of the human body, an integral component of the exotic dance performances described herein, which exhibit the socially accepted and or popular contemporary concepts of physical ability and attractiveness a socially fulfilling experience for both performers and patrons.'

Read more: WOAI