Florida state Rep. Ritch Workman (R) is tackling the unemployment rate in the most bizarre way possible. The Florida Current reports that Workman filed a bill to repeal the state’s ban on “dwarf-tossing” — the practice of “launching little people for the amusement of an audience.” Though he doesn’t condone the act, he insists that the ban flies in the face of freedom and the American way:
“To me it’s an archaic kind of Big Brother law that says, ‘We don’t like that activity,’” Workman said. “Well, there is nothing immoral or illegal about that activity. All we really did by passing that law was take away some employment from some little people.” […]
The person with dwarfism is equipped with a harness around his torso and is spun around and eventually thrown by another person onto mattresses placed on the ground. The person who throws the little person for the greatest distance wins the contest, according a 2001 statement by Little People of America.
Florida’s law prohibits any establishment that sells alcohol from allowing any activity “involving exploitation endangering the health, safety, and welfare of any person with dwarfism.” Florida and New York are currently the only two states banning the practice and Florida can fine up to $1,000 or suspend an alcohol license for a violation.
There has been one lawsuit filed by a little person seeking a repeal of the ban for employment purposes but others, including the president of Little People of America, Gary Arnold, questioned the effort to bring back an activity that, aside from the physical danger, is “dehumanizing and reminiscent of circus sideshow days.” “The ban on dwarf tossing protects the entire dwarf community,” Arnold said.
Asked about the humiliating nature of “dwarf-tossing,” Workman replied, “What about the one employed by it?” “The reality is what is good for one person may not be good for another,” he added.