Rantz: Washington’s ‘dwarf tossing’ ban represents good intentions gone wrong

I can’t believe I have to argue against this bill.

A Republican state senator wants to ban “dwarf tossing” in Washington state, and while the bill’s intentions are admirable, it’s actually an affront to individual freedoms and should be rejected. Indeed, the whole idea of dwarf tossing is alarming, offensive, potentially dangerous, and 100 percent the decision of the little person to do what he or she wants to.

Sen. Mike Padden (R-Spokane Valley) announced his legislation to prohibit dwarf-tossing contests at bars and strip clubs in Washington because, according to his press release, the offensive game “demeans and exploits those of small stature.” If passed, Washington would become just the third state to ban the practice.

Padden says he was approached by a constituent with dwarfism who was alarmed at a dwarf-tossing contest at a strip club in Spokane Valley. From there, Padden became interested in addressing the issue.

“There’s nothing funny about dwarf-tossing,” Padden said in a press release. “It ridicules and demeans people with dwarfism, and causes others to think of them as objects of public amusement. Even when participants are willing, it exposes them to the possibility of lifetime spinal injury. Dwarf-tossing is an offense to our sensibilities.”

There are many problems with Padden’s argument, even if I agree with the admittedly farrago of concerns.

Some find stripping demeaning — like the kind done at the strip club the constituent attended when he saw the offensive dwarf tossing contest. Others find pornography exploitative. But both are protected artistic expression. You know what exposes people to the possibility of lifetime spinal injury? Professional football and mixed martial arts. And speaking of ridicule, there are plenty of comics who use their own weight, height, high pitched voice, and so many other characteristics that open themselves up to ridicule. But they make the choice to.

If you let Padden’s argument win this particular battle, what’s to stop the exact same argument – from another politician – from extending far beyond Padden’s intended goal here?

Also: this legislation may be an answer in search of a problem. Dwarf tossing is hardly commonplace and the Washington Post recently indicated that little people overwhelmingly reject the contest. Good — I’m glad. This also means they won’t ever be at risk of joining the contest because they find it objectionable.

Others who want to participate can choose to do so. Indeed, per WaPo, “there are dissenters such as ‘Mighty’ Mike Murga, an actor and performer who regularly participates in dwarf-tossing events at bars, house parties and strip clubs in Michigan.”

Padden’s disgust with the act is one I share. But our disgust shouldn’t infringe on someone’s right to engage in a consensual economic activity. Why not spend some money educating people on the concerns we have with the contest? We can discourage an act without having to pass a law.

Those who participate, generally, do so for cash. It’s not inherently dangerous; it simply can be. And someone who is living with dwarfism is capable of making up their own minds on this, without Padden (or me) telling him or her otherwise. I’m certainly unwilling to die on a hill for this fight, since I find the act rather detestable. But perhaps, at 6’1”, I shouldn’t decide this for someone living with dwarfism?

Listen to the Jason Rantz Show, at his new time, weekday afternoons from 3-6 p.m. on KTTH 770 AM (or HD Radio 97.3 FM HD-Channel 3). Subscribe to the podcast here.

Follow @https://twitter.com/jasonrantz