Washington State recently made headlines by enacting a groundbreaking law that provides extensive workplace protections for adult dancers, a group that has long been advocating for such measures nationwide.
Known as the Strippers’ Bill of Rights, the law was signed by Governor Jay Inslee on March 25 and includes provisions aimed at combating discrimination and ensuring mandatory training for club employees. This move is seen as a significant step forward in recognizing the rights and humanity of those involved in the adult entertainment industry.
State Senator Rebecca Saldaña of Seattle, a Democrat who sponsored the legislation, emphasized the importance of treating strippers as workers entitled to the same rights and protections as any other labor force. The law was also supported by Strippers Are Workers, a dancer-led organization that played a key role in its development.
The new law addresses a range of issues faced by adult dancers, including sexual harassment, abuse, violence, discrimination, and physical injuries resulting from their work. It mandates training for club employees on preventing sexual harassment, identifying human trafficking, and providing first aid. Additionally, establishments must have security measures in place, such as keypad codes for dressing rooms and panic buttons for dancers in private rooms.
One of the key provisions of the law is the elimination of “back rent,” a debt that accumulates when dancers cannot cover their stage rental fees. It also sets limits on the amount establishments can charge dancers, aiming to improve working conditions and financial stability for those in the industry.
While some legal experts have raised questions about enforcement, the overall response to the law has been positive. Advocates and experts view it as a significant step forward in providing much-needed protections for adult dancers. Similar efforts in other states, such as unionization campaigns, have also shown progress in advocating for the rights of sex workers.
Despite the progress made with the new law, some believe that more needs to be done to fully protect the rights of adult dancers. Law professor Veena Dubal emphasized that while the law is a step in the right direction, it falls short of providing the comprehensive protections that sex workers, including strippers, deserve.
Overall, the enactment of the Strippers’ Bill of Rights in Washington State represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve working conditions and rights for adult dancers in the state and beyond.
