Washington governor Jay Inslee recently signed off on a measure dubbed the “strippers’ bill of rights,” which proponents say offers comprehensive legal protections for workers in the adult-entertainment industry.

“Strippers are workers, and they should be given the same rights and protections as any other labor force,” said state senator Rebecca Saldaña, the sponsor of the bill.

“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 Democrat added. 

The new law will require establishments to hold trainings to prevent sexual harassment and human trafficking and to teach staff members conflict de-escalation. The measure also boosts security requirements at clubs and for dressing rooms and caps fees that establishments can charge dancers at $150 or 30 percent of a dancer’s income per night, whichever is less.

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

The law is the product of a six-year lobbying effort by Strippers Are Workers.

Washington becomes the second state to formally enshrine protections for adult-entertainment workers into law, after Illinois passed similar legislation in 2019.