OLYMPIA, Wash. — The group "Strippers are Workers" and supporters rallied near the Washington state Capitol Monday, calling for lawmakers to move SB 6105 forward.
The bill would provide a suite of workers' rights protectors for dancers and would repeal a law that restricts strip clubs from selling alcohol. Repealing that rule is being discussed by the state's Liquor and Cannabis Board and by lawmakers under a separate measure.
Several speakers stressed that all workers deserve rights, and that includes strippers. The group discussed changes the bill would make, including new safety training rules, a requirement for the installation and maintenance of panic buttons, and a mandate that clubs employ security personnel.
Elle, a dancer, said she's most enthused about a part of the bill capping club fees, which she said sometimes cause workers to pay more than they earn in a night.
"There is a huge power imbalance between dancers and club ownership and not a lot of people realize that- so we're here to draw attention to that and make our voices heard," Elle said. "We're such a stigmatized and not well-understood community, so we want people who are not dancers or may not be familiar with what we do or what we experience at work to be aware of what we're going through."
The bill includes a provision that would repeal WAC 314-11-050, which restricts full and partial nudity in venues with liquor licenses.
Kevin Kauer, co-owner of LGBTQIA+ nightlife venue Massive, wants to see that change for his own business. He spoke up after word of inspections at local LGBTQIA+ bars that many called invasive. Kauer said the Liquor and Cannabis Board and lawmakers were receptive to concerns, and he's hopeful that change will be made. But Kauer wants to see other provisions pass for dancers, as well. That's why he felt it was important to attend the rally.
"We want them to hear our perspectives- dancers, business owners, patrons, the legal side," Kauer said.