Sex Worker Law Passed By Minneapolis City Council

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis City Council has strengthened an ordinance that improves working conditions in the adult entertainment field. Following concerns about physical safety and well-being involving unsanitary conditions, tripping hazards, wage theft and other issues, the ordinance requires worker protections including:

• Standard cleaning procedures for the work environment and shared areas.
• Seating made of cleanable material.
• Rules posted for customer conduct.
• Anti-harassment and anti-discrimination materials available.
• Workers’ rights posted.
• Workers given copies of their contracts.
• Security cameras covering all areas where entertainers interact with customers.
• Tripping hazards eliminated.
• Managers and owners not accepting tips from entertainers.
• No manager or security staff employed who have a criminal domestic violence-related offense conviction within five years.
• No retaliation allowed against workers for reporting violations.

"This is absolutely an economic and social justice issue," said co-author Council Member Cam Gordon in a news release."It is great to see our City partner with these workers to help protect their health, safety and rights."

"Every worker in our city deserves a safe environment," said co-author Council Member Linea Palmisano. "This workforce is marginalized and stigmatized and shouldn’t be. This work is important to undo that."

Staff developed this ordinance over two years with research on best practices, outreach to businesses and entertainers, and cooperation with the Sex Workers Outreach Project and the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center.