Proposed state ban on dwarf tossing backed at Olympia hearing

OLYMPIA — A proposed statewide ban on events such as dwarf tossing and potentially dwarf wrestling drew support at a public hearing Thursday.

At least five people with dwarfism showed up to the hearing, with several telling a legislative committee that the “tossing” events — sometimes held as promotions at bars and strip clubs — contribute to a culture of mockery and bullying.

The ban, proposed by Spokane Valley Republican Mike Padden, would prohibit any physically hazardous activity involving a person with dwarfism in an adult venue or bar.

Deana Harris, president of the Seattle chapter of Little People of America, said the events advance a perception of dwarfism as a condition that’s acceptable to mock.

Read more: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/proposed-state-ban-on-dwarf-tossing-backed-at-olympia-hearing/