In an unprecedented move, sex workers and allies converged at the Washington State Capitol, rallying for the passage of a transformative piece of legislation dubbed the “Strippers Bill of Rights.” The bill, officially known as Senate Bill 6105, seeks to fundamentally alter the landscape of adult entertainment venues by enhancing working conditions and enshrining protections against exploitative practices.
Breaking the Chains of Regulation
The proposed bill comes as a beacon of hope, following unsettling raids on four LGBTQ+ clubs in Seattle, spotlighting the archaic lewd conduct regulations still in force. By setting limits on the fees strip clubs can levy on dancers, abolishing distance mandates between performers and patrons, and mandating security and conflict de-escalation training, the bill aims to foster a safer, more equitable environment for performers.
The Fight for Equality
Championed by gay majority floor leader Sen. Jamie Pedersen, the bill also seeks to repeal decades-old prohibitions on lewd conduct in alcohol-serving establishments, addressing enforcement practices that Pedersen condemns as relics of a bygone era. His amendment reflects a growing recognition of the need for reform, casting a spotlight on the outdated regulations that have long marginalized adult entertainers and LGBTQ+ venues alike.