Bring Back Dwarf Tossing to Create Jobs, FL Lawmaker Proposes

Florida State Representative Ritch Workman has a plan to increase jobs. Repeal the ban on dwarf tossing.

Yes, you read that correctly. Dwarf tossing.

Workman has proposed to bring back the controversial practice. He says that the ban deprives willing dwarfs of jobs.

Never heard of "dwarf tossing"? It might be because it's been prohibited for a very long time. Florida outlawed the practice in 1989. Bars found to be violating the ban can be fined up to $1,000 and can lose their liquor license.

The idea, as insensitive as it is, is to toss a dwarf as far as you can. And there are certain rules:

• Dwarfs need to wear protective clothing if they're to be thrown through a glass window or door.
• If a dwarf is thrown through a burning hoop there needs to be a fire extinguisher somewhere close by.
• If you want to toss a dwarf down a well, the well needs to have at least 3 inches of water at its base.

Of course, these "rules" don't really instill much safety. In fact, Florida is not the only locale that has banned this pastime. France passed a law prohibiting dwarf tossing back in the 90s.

And the "sport" is widely criticized by many, including the U.N. Human Rights Committee. The organization believes that the ban on dwarf tossing is necessary in order to "protect public order, including considerations of human dignity."

What do you think of the dwarf tossing ban? Rep. Ritch Workman may have a point -- it does deprive some dwarfs of jobs. The French ban was challenged by a 3-foot 10-inch dwarf who was no longer able to make a living off of getting tossed.

Related Resources:

• Florida St. Rep. Ritch Workman: Bring Back Dwarf Tossing to Create Jobs (Opposing Views)
• FL Woman Arrested for Stripping at Club She Doesn't Work At (FindLaw's Legally Weird)
• 'Dwarf Barista' Settles Lawsuit with Starbucks (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)