Michael Bluth
06-13-2003, 03:56 PM
Toronto — The organizer of a dwarf-tossing contest vowed the show would go on Thursday even as an angry Ontario politician made an 11th-hour bid to stop the event.
"My community is up in arms," said deputy Liberal leader Sandra Pupatello, who represents the Windsor, Ont., riding where the contest was scheduled to take place later in the evening.
"This, in my opinion, sets us back generations."
The contest was to take place at a strip club called the Leopards Lounge & Broil and feature audience members hurling a helmeted four-foot-eight performer who goes by the stage name Tripod.
The person who made the longest toss was to win a prize.
Ms. Pupatello introduced a private member's bill to ban dwarf tossing, and pleaded with the legislature to push it through immediately.
However, the Conservative government said it needed more time to review the implications of the bill.
Event organizer Renaldo Agostino said the club had received both positive and negative feedback about the contest, but dismissed suggestions it was exploitative.
"This guy is a dwarf.... He's looking to make his mark in the entertainment business," he said.
The star attraction of the contest, meanwhile, recently defended himself in an interview with the Windsor Star.
"I'm doing this because I want to," said Bradley, who did not want his last name used.
"I'm an adult and can make my own decisions. I don't need anyone telling me what I can or can't do."
The newspaper described Bradley as a 20-year-old who is a "regular on the local adult entertainment scene" and works at a grocery store during the day.
Under Ms. Pupatello's proposed bill, those who engage in dwarf tossing could be fined up to $5,000 and jailed for six months.
Public Security Minister Bob Runciman condemned the contest and urged the bar to call it off voluntarily.
"Don't take advantage of people who are less fortunate in society," he said. "It's very demeaning to them."
Mr. Runciman said other jurisdictions such as Florida and France have passed legislation to ban dwarf tossing, and said the Attorney-General's office was looking at all options.
But by late Thursday afternoon, Mr. Agostino said there were no plans to cancel the contest.
"I certainly respect Sandra Pupatello for what she is doing. She's looking out for her constituents," he said.
"It's a matter of personal choice. There are a lot more important things on the [agenda] than dwarf tossing."
http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20030612.wtoss0612/BNStory/Front/?
"My community is up in arms," said deputy Liberal leader Sandra Pupatello, who represents the Windsor, Ont., riding where the contest was scheduled to take place later in the evening.
"This, in my opinion, sets us back generations."
The contest was to take place at a strip club called the Leopards Lounge & Broil and feature audience members hurling a helmeted four-foot-eight performer who goes by the stage name Tripod.
The person who made the longest toss was to win a prize.
Ms. Pupatello introduced a private member's bill to ban dwarf tossing, and pleaded with the legislature to push it through immediately.
However, the Conservative government said it needed more time to review the implications of the bill.
Event organizer Renaldo Agostino said the club had received both positive and negative feedback about the contest, but dismissed suggestions it was exploitative.
"This guy is a dwarf.... He's looking to make his mark in the entertainment business," he said.
The star attraction of the contest, meanwhile, recently defended himself in an interview with the Windsor Star.
"I'm doing this because I want to," said Bradley, who did not want his last name used.
"I'm an adult and can make my own decisions. I don't need anyone telling me what I can or can't do."
The newspaper described Bradley as a 20-year-old who is a "regular on the local adult entertainment scene" and works at a grocery store during the day.
Under Ms. Pupatello's proposed bill, those who engage in dwarf tossing could be fined up to $5,000 and jailed for six months.
Public Security Minister Bob Runciman condemned the contest and urged the bar to call it off voluntarily.
"Don't take advantage of people who are less fortunate in society," he said. "It's very demeaning to them."
Mr. Runciman said other jurisdictions such as Florida and France have passed legislation to ban dwarf tossing, and said the Attorney-General's office was looking at all options.
But by late Thursday afternoon, Mr. Agostino said there were no plans to cancel the contest.
"I certainly respect Sandra Pupatello for what she is doing. She's looking out for her constituents," he said.
"It's a matter of personal choice. There are a lot more important things on the [agenda] than dwarf tossing."
http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20030612.wtoss0612/BNStory/Front/?