Ritch Workman, Florida State Representative, Proposes Repeal Of 'Dwarf-Tossing' Ban

A Florida state legislator is proposing a new, unusual route to narrow the nation's jobs crisis.

The Palm Beach Post reports that Rep. Ritch Workman (R) is spearheading an effort to repeal a longstanding ban on "dwarf-tossing" -- a bar fad in which individuals of small stature are thrown around for entertainment purposes.

"I'm on a quest to seek and destroy unnecessary burdens on the freedom and liberties of people," he told the paper. "This is an example of Big Brother government."

The ban dates back to Oct. 1, 1989, when Florida enacted a statute prohibiting businesses from "undertaking or permitting any contest or promotion or other form of recreational activity involving exploitation endangering the health, safety, and welfare of any person with dwarfism."

Almost a quarter-century later, Workman describes this principle as "archaic," telling the Florida Current: "All we really did by passing that law was take away some employment from some little people."

Workman turned his talk into action on Monday, filing a bill that would repeal "provisions prohibiting beverage licensees maintaining, owning, or operating certain commercial establishments from allowing the exploitation of persons with dwarfism."

Little People of America, a non-profit group providing support for individuals of short stature and their families, has denounced dwarf-tossing in the past. The group released a statement in 2001, labeling the activity as an event where "the person with dwarfism is objectified and dehumanized in the name of 'entertainment.'"

While Workman's initiative may not resonate with individuals subjected to the show, Florida Gov. Rick Scott appears to support his fellow Republican's wishes. The Broward Palm Beach New Times notes that the rules targeted by Workman are among the 1,000 state laws Scott submitted for repeal last month.

Comments

[anon004]

01:57 AM on 10/09/2011

In other news, Rich Workman also proposed the repeal of child labor laws. "In a true free market, why shouldn't dhildren have the "'ight to work'?" he asked. "And if shiftless Mom and Dad can't get a job, why shouldn't the kiddies take up the slack? After all, it's their moral weakness that allowed them to be born into such a worthless family," he noted. When asked aobut whether six or seven year olds were able to understand the implications of taking on employemt, he responded, "That's just one of those legal thingies the ACLU is always pestering us about. Stuff like contracts and the rule of law means nothing to real Americans." Workman emphasized the benefit to the economy. "The real upside is that corporations can pay children much lower wages, and we can finally win the race to the bottom with the third world. Sounds ggo to me!"

[General Public]

10:30 PM on 10/08/2011

Good to see Republicans have such good "values" and "morals". And the governor of Florida, Rick Scott, supports this too! This is yet more proof that Republicans just don't care about the little guy, only about the top 1%.

[phill273]

11:23 AM on 10/11/2011

Literally or figuratively?

[Textbook]

07:52 AM on 10/08/2011

I saw in another news item that Workman says he's doing this for jobs creation, to allow dwarves the opportunity to accept a dwarf tossing job if that's what they're willing to do to earn money. How insulting it is to dwarves to suggest that this is their best shot at serving society, and how insulting it is to society to suggest that there is a market for this. Workman should be removed from his post.
I eagerly await Workman's attempt to try the same with minstrel shows, to relieve all those poor, out-of-work blackface artists.

[jclaireburke]

07:31 AM on 10/08/2011

GOP doctrine: Government is too big if it prohibits dwarf tossing - but NOT too big if it prohibits two gay dwarfs from marrying.

[Dean77]

01:07 AM on 10/08/2011

Republicans are fighting for small business. Always looking out for the little guy.

[tayinnewin]

05:11 PM on 10/08/2011

Oh no, you went there!!

[HawaiiSteve]

01:03 AM on 10/08/2011

Finally; a Republican job plan! It's about time.

[RepublicanDepression]

10:13 PM on 10/07/2011

There are no small laws, only small-mined legislators.

[kibibi]

07:06 PM on 10/07/2011

see,, here's a republican creating jobs,,, really! is this the best they got, I wish someone would toss him around a room and maybe it would knock some since into his head, like I've said , they have no ideas other preventing something, cutting something or taking something away, and when they try,, this is what they come up with,,,” had to post again, lol

[Left on Red]

06:14 PM on 10/07/2011

Well, if the bill passes, gets signed into law and challenged in court. It could wind up at the Supreme Court. Justice Thomas may break his long silence and utter the question, "Can I try?"

[SecularJoe]

06:11 PM on 10/07/2011

Big Brother government is once again hurting U.S. jobs by over regulating. How do we increase jobs? Legalize exploitation. Ah, republican philosophy exposed. Marvelous.

[retie133]

05:53 PM on 10/07/2011

Florida should pass a bill making it legal to toss state legislators.Maybe if they bump their heads enough times they will gain some common sense.

[DZISU]

05:43 PM on 10/07/2011

Not a surprise from a Republican; they already advance the cause of tossing the elderly, the infirm, the poor, illegal immigrants etc. etc; not to metnnion the Speaker of the House tossing back a few

[chatafergie]

05:40 PM on 10/07/2011

As an old Warner Bros Cartoon once stated "I like him, he's silly"!

[den1953]

05:27 PM on 10/07/2011

Where is his dwarf kicking him the nuts bill?

[Ponder this]

05:19 PM on 10/07/2011

This is a joke, right? Has to be a joke? right?..... oh no... now I get it - Workman is looking for entertainment for people with small minds. Sounds like a great idea for the Republican convention!