Florida Rep. Ritch Workman desires to see an economic boost. With HB 4063, he may just do that - by delivering dwarf tossing back to pubs. Not everybody is pleased that an elected official would endorse a practice considered demeaning in several circles.
Dwarf tossing banned in Florida in 1989
Australia was where Dwarf tossing came from. In 1989, Florida banned it after 27 year old performer David Wilson died from blood alcohol poisoning. The dwarf tossing sport involves quite a bit of drinking. Workman feels it's time to turn the tables:
"I'm on a quest to seek and destroy unnecessary burdens on the freedom and liberties of people," Workman said. "All (they do) is prevent some dwarfs from getting jobs. ... In this economy, why would we want to prevent people from getting gainful employment?"
No exploitation allowed
Florida Statute 561.665 may end up being overturned by HB 4063. If this happens, no recreational activity involving exploitation of dwarfism will be authorized someplace where alcohol is sold. Currently, violators could be fined up to $1,000 or have their liquor license suspended.
Little individuals should have the right to participate in whatever activities they want, which is the goal with this “Leave No Tossed Dwarf Behind” bill, according to Workman.
"I would never force anybody to take this form of employment or pay to watch it," Workman said. "I think it's repulsive and stupid. But it's none of the state's business if somebody wants to do this."
Not all dwarfs ready
Three-foot-five-inch Robert Van Etten, 62, of Stuart, Fla., objects to the prospect of being objectified as a projectile.
"The people who were thrown were alcoholics with low self-esteem," he said. "Many of them were injured. One committed suicide."
Little People of America is an organization that has tried to prevent any sort of issues hitting little individuals, which Etten was a president of once. He believes the activity makes fun of an entire segment of society.
The toss is up to you
The dwarf tossing ban was challenged in the courtroom by “Dave the Dwarf” Flood in 2001. The suit was part publicity stunt. Still, Flood mentioned that dwarfs can choose for themselves.
"Why should there be a law against something because other people find it humiliating?" Flood said. "If you want to be tossed, and you're a dwarf, that should be up to you."
Flood’s case was ruled “without controversy.” This was because the judge noted there was no way to enforce the law, even if it was in place. The case was tossed out of court.
Dwarf tossing began Down Under
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcZSgVSW5AY
Information from
Broward-Palm Beach New Times
The Florida Current
Florida Statute 561.665
Palm Beach Post
Dwarf tossing banned in Florida in 1989
Australia was where Dwarf tossing came from. In 1989, Florida banned it after 27 year old performer David Wilson died from blood alcohol poisoning. The dwarf tossing sport involves quite a bit of drinking. Workman feels it's time to turn the tables:
"I'm on a quest to seek and destroy unnecessary burdens on the freedom and liberties of people," Workman said. "All (they do) is prevent some dwarfs from getting jobs. ... In this economy, why would we want to prevent people from getting gainful employment?"
No exploitation allowed
Florida Statute 561.665 may end up being overturned by HB 4063. If this happens, no recreational activity involving exploitation of dwarfism will be authorized someplace where alcohol is sold. Currently, violators could be fined up to $1,000 or have their liquor license suspended.
Little individuals should have the right to participate in whatever activities they want, which is the goal with this “Leave No Tossed Dwarf Behind” bill, according to Workman.
"I would never force anybody to take this form of employment or pay to watch it," Workman said. "I think it's repulsive and stupid. But it's none of the state's business if somebody wants to do this."
Not all dwarfs ready
Three-foot-five-inch Robert Van Etten, 62, of Stuart, Fla., objects to the prospect of being objectified as a projectile.
"The people who were thrown were alcoholics with low self-esteem," he said. "Many of them were injured. One committed suicide."
Little People of America is an organization that has tried to prevent any sort of issues hitting little individuals, which Etten was a president of once. He believes the activity makes fun of an entire segment of society.
The toss is up to you
The dwarf tossing ban was challenged in the courtroom by “Dave the Dwarf” Flood in 2001. The suit was part publicity stunt. Still, Flood mentioned that dwarfs can choose for themselves.
"Why should there be a law against something because other people find it humiliating?" Flood said. "If you want to be tossed, and you're a dwarf, that should be up to you."
Flood’s case was ruled “without controversy.” This was because the judge noted there was no way to enforce the law, even if it was in place. The case was tossed out of court.
Dwarf tossing began Down Under
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcZSgVSW5AY
Information from
Broward-Palm Beach New Times
The Florida Current
Florida Statute 561.665
Palm Beach Post
