In a significant push for improved working conditions and increased safety, hundreds of adult dancers in Washington state are calling for the adoption of a “strippers’ bill of rights.” This proposed legislation aims to safeguard dancers from both customers and club owners, offering comprehensive protections that would address issues such as assault, threats, inadequate security, and excessive fees. If enacted, Washington’s proposal would establish some of the most comprehensive state-level protections for adult dancers across the country. With the bill having passed the state Senate and currently before the state House, it represents a crucial step towards ensuring the well-being of adult performers.
Protecting Against Assault and Threats:
One of the primary motivations behind the “strippers’ bill of rights” is to address the alarming instances of assault and threats that dancers face while on the job. Adult performers have reported incidents of physical and verbal abuse, often without sufficient security measures in place to intervene and protect them. By enacting stricter security measures, the proposed legislation aims to provide a safer working environment for dancers, ensuring they are protected from harm and able to perform without fear.
Another issue that the bill seeks to tackle is the burden of excessive fees imposed by strip club owners on dancers. These fees, which dancers are required to pay in order to perform, can often be exorbitant and financially detrimental. By setting limits on the fees that strip clubs can charge, the legislation aims to create a fairer and more equitable system, ensuring that dancers are not exploited financially and can retain a greater portion of their earnings.
The advocacy for a “strippers’ bill of rights” is spearheaded by Strippers Are Workers, a Washington-based organization representing hundreds of adult performers. This group highlights the fact that dancers are workers and deserve the same rights and protections as any other employee. By pushing for this legislation, they aim to challenge the notion that adult entertainers are disposable or devoid of legal protections.
If Washington’s proposed legislation is adopted, it would establish some of the most comprehensive state-level protections for adult dancers in the United States. This progress would set a precedent for other states to consider similar measures to safeguard the rights and well-being of adult performers. By enacting these protections, Washington would demonstrate its commitment to ensuring a safe and fair working environment for all individuals in the adult entertainment industry.
