A man who uses a wheelchair has sued a strip club in West Palm Beach, Fla., because an area where private lap dances are performed is up a flight of stairs.

The suit contends that the club, the Wildside Adult Sports Cabaret, discriminated against the plaintiff, Edward Law of Orlando, based on the fact that he is a paraplegic. The suit, filed last month in federal court in West Palm Beach, also says the club violated the Americans With Disabilities Act because Mr. Law could not enjoy a good view of the stage where the strippers disrobe from his wheelchair.

Mr. Law did not return a telephone call. A message on his answering machine -- ''Hello, this is Eddie (Lap Dance) Law'' -- referred inquiries to his lawyer, Anthony J. Brady Jr.

Mr. Brady said Mr. Law merely wanted to be treated like other customers.

''This is actually an easy case,'' Mr. Brady said. ''It's really about equal opportunity.''