L.A. County board
approves settlement of bathhouse lawsuit

The Los Angeles County board of supervisors unanimously agreed on Tuesday in a closed session to settle a lawsuit with nine bathhouses, reports the Los Angeles Times.

The bathhouses filed the lawsuit last year and said the county's rules imposed on the bathhouses were illegal. The county regulations said the bathhouses must pay annual fees of more than $1,000, obtain county health licenses, allow quarterly inspections, and have HIV testing on-site.

Jonathan Fielding, county director of public health, said the bathhouses "basically agreed to adhere to" county rules but can also make complaints if their rights are violated. Fielding said the county also requested that adequate lighting, condoms, and lubricant be available to patrons to discourage high-risk sex. (The Advocate)