Strippers Fight for Long Overdue Rights in WA

Following years of advocacy and organizing, Strippers Are Workers, based in Washington, is celebrating a major victory. SB6105, known as the Stripper’s Bill of Rights, was signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee. The bill provides the most comprehensive statewide protections in the country. Previously the state with the most stringent restrictions, including a complete ban on alcohol sales in clubs, will become the most progressive in terms of ensuring the health and safety of dancers and patrons.

“Strippers are workers, and they should be given the same rights and protections as any other labor force,” bill sponsor Sen. Rebecca Saldaña of Seattle, said in a news release. “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.”

The Stripper Bill of Rights will:
• Allow clubs to sell alcohol
• Eliminate back rent practices (indebting dancers to clubs)
• Regulate high dancer house fees
• Mandate training for club employees
• Require clubs to hire adequate security staff
• Require panic buttons
• Provide anti-discrimination protections
• Limit fees clubs can charge dancers

Strippers around the country, including in New York and California, have organized to fight for their rights and fair labor practices. Despite their advocacy, Illinois is the only other state that has enacted protections for workers in adult entertainment.

Listen to a piece from NPR’s All Things Considered on the bill here. DSW Communications Director Ariela Moscowitz provided background and commentary.