Democrats are constantly trying to create new rights out of thin air.
But no one thought they would take it this far.
And Ron DeSantis sat in stunned silence when a blue state created this new bill of rights.
Instead of addressing the many problems facing the state of Washington, state lawmakers decided to create a bill of rights for strippers.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee (D) signed the bill into law which supporters say creates the most comprehensive set of workplace protections for strippers of any state in the country.
Washington state strippers get a boost from Democrats
“It’s pretty simple why we are passing this bill. These are working folks — and working people deserve safety in the environment in which they work,” Inslee said.
The law allows strip clubs in the state to be able to apply to serve alcohol.
“The new law requires training for employees in establishments to prevent sexual harassment, identify and report human trafficking, de-escalate conflict, and provide first aid. It also mandates security workers on site, keypad codes to enter dressing rooms, and panic buttons in private rooms where entertainers are alone with customers,” CBS News reported.
Because most strippers work as independent contractors, they will now have the fees that clubs charge them capped and prohibit them from being charged certain fees.
The group Strippers Are Workers, an organization of Washington strippers, had been pushing for the law.
Madison Zack-Wu, the organization’s campaign manager, said that alcohol sales were added to the bill to help the state’s 11 strip clubs offset the costs of the added regulations.
The bill’s sponsor, State Senator Rebecca Saldaña (D-WA), said it provided strippers in the state much-needed protections.
“Strippers are workers, and they should be given the same rights and protections as any other labor force,” Saldaña said. “If they are employed at a legal establishment in Washington, they deserve the safeguards that every worker is entitled to, including protection from exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.”
Washington becomes the second state after Illinois to put workplace protections into law for adult entertainers.
“It is crucial that we confront the stigma surrounding adult entertainment and recognize the humanity of those involved in the industry,” Saldaña added.
Florida trying to raise the age for strippers to 21
While Washington was seeking to protect strippers, the Florida Legislature passed a bill that would raise the age to 21 to work in an adult entertainment establishment.
It’s awaiting the signature of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Stay tuned to Blue State Blues for any updates to this ongoing story.
