Effort To Outlaw Dwarf Tossing In Washington Underway

BELLEVUE, WA - A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a bill in the state Senate to prohibit events that exploit people with dwarfism — that includes dwarf-tossing or bowling events held in bars and strip clubs.

The bill was sponsored by state Sens. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, Patty Kuderer, D-Bellevue, and Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor.

Padden called such events "a most-unsporting activity that demeans and exploits those of small stature." Padded decided to sponsor the law after a constituent, who is a dwarf, told him about a tossing event held in October near Spokane Valley.

The proposed Washington law would allow the state Liquor and Cannabis board to suspend or revoke a liquor license and issue fines if a bar or strip club holds a dwarf-related acrobatic event.

Events involving dwarf-tossing — and, more recently, dwarf "rolling" and bowling — rose in popularity in the 1980s. But some cities and states reacted by banning or curtailing the practice.

The city of Lansing, Mich., in 1989 passed a law requiring that businesses get a permit before holding "any physical contest or alleged recreational physical activity involving dwarf tossing." The states of New York and Florida outlawed dwarf-tossing in the late 1980s.

Washington, it seems, slipped through that era without enacting any regulations.

The Washington law will get a hearing in the Senate Law and Justice Committee on Jan. 31.

Patch file photo