DATE: Friday, April 11, 1997                TAG: 9704110003

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B10  EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Editorial 

                                            LENGTH:   24 lines

PSYCHIC SUES NORFOLK IS OUTCOME FORETOLD?

In a federal lawsuit, a $70-an-hour psychic from Westchester County, N.Y., is challenging Norfolk's 39-year ban on palm reading, phrenology and clairvoyance for pay.

The psychic, Barbara DeLong, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia claim the ban violates DeLong's right to freedom of religion and speech.

City Attorney Philip R. Trapani counters that Norfolk has the right to ban certain types of businesses, such as tattoo parlors, massage parlors and adult-oriented businesses. He said state courts have found the ban to be a valid regulation by the city.

Past court decisions notwithstanding, Norfolk might be in trouble. Surely a psychic would never file a lawsuit that she knew she was going to lose.

Is outcome foretold?

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