Legislation in Washington state known as the strippers’ bill of rights, which advocates say includes the most comprehensive statewide protections in the nation, was signed into law on Monday.

Gov. Jay Inslee signed the measure, which creates safer working conditions for people in the adult entertainment industry and makes it possible for the clubs to sell alcohol.

“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 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 on dressing rooms and panic buttons in places where entertainers may be alone with customers.

  • Flying Squid
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    68 months ago

    Considering the high proliferation of Bikini Baristas that are basically strippers in Washington

    I hope wherever they work is warm. Unlike Washington in the winter.

    • SeaJ
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      fedilink
      108 months ago

      I think more of a concern is lots of exposed skin around boiling hot coffee.

    • @pete_the_cat
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      48 months ago

      Yeah, like I’d expect that to be a thing down here in Miami, when I think of bikinis I don’t think of Washington (DC or the state itself).

    • @june
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      38 months ago

      They all work in heated coffee stands, with a few actual shops around. Though the shops are few and far between. I’ve only ever seen 2.