Washington governor signs ‘strippers’ bill of rights’ into law

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed the so-called Strippers Bill of Rights on Tuesday, creating the most comprehensive legal protections for the adult entertainment industry in the nation.

Supporters said the measure is important to provide adequate worker protections to an often overlooked industry.

“Strippers are workers and should be afforded the same rights and protections as the rest of the workforce,” Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D), the bill’s sponsor, said in a statement. “If they are employed in a legal facility in Washington, they are entitled to the protections that all workers are entitled to, including protection from exploitation, trafficking and abuse.”

Facilities are required by law Conduct sexual harassment prevention, human trafficking prevention, and conflict mitigation training. Clubs and changing rooms also have increased security requirements such as locks and panic buttons.

The bill would also limit the fees that facilities can charge to dancers who typically work as independent contractors. Fees are limited to the lesser of $150 per night or his 30% of the dancer’s income.

“It is important to confront the stigma surrounding adult entertainment and recognize the humanity of those involved in the industry,” Saldaña said.

The law also allows adult entertainment businesses to obtain liquor licenses in Washington state.

The effort was led by the advocacy group Strippers Are Workers, which fought for six years to pass the bill. The group reported wide disparities in regulations among the state’s 11 adult entertainment facilities and advocated for common standards.

Employees have complained to the group about lax security, unsafe conditions and the possibility of being blacklisted if they report harassment of managers, according to the Associated Press.

Illinois is the only state to add protections for adult entertainment workers, passing a similar bill in 2019.