U.N. backs 'dwarf-tossing' ban.

[yllus]

U.N. backs 'dwarf-tossing' ban

GENEVA, Switzerland -- A French ban on the controversial practice of "dwarf-tossing" has been upheld by the U.N. Human Rights Committee.

Manuel Wackenheim began his fight in 1995 after the French ban meant he could no longer earn a living being thrown around discotheques and nightclubs by burly men.

But on Friday, Wackenheim -- who measures 1.14 metres (3 feet 10 inches) -- lost his case when the U.N. human rights body ruled the need to protect human dignity was paramount.

In a statement, the U.N. Human Rights Committee said it was satisfied "the ban on dwarf-tossing was not abusive but necessary in order to protect public order, including considerations of human dignity."

The committee also said the ban "did not amount to prohibited discrimination."

The pastime, imported from the United States and Australia in the 1980s, consists of people throwing tiny stuntmen as far as possible, usually in a bar or discotheque.

Yet another case of the UN treading where it should not tread. :|

 

[PsychoAndy]

Originally posted by: yllus
U.N. backs 'dwarf-tossing' ban

GENEVA, Switzerland -- A French ban on the controversial practice of "dwarf-tossing" has been upheld by the U.N. Human Rights Committee.

Manuel Wackenheim began his fight in 1995 after the French ban meant he could no longer earn a living being thrown around discotheques and nightclubs by burly men.

But on Friday, Wackenheim -- who measures 1.14 metres (3 feet 10 inches) -- lost his case when the U.N. human rights body ruled the need to protect human dignity was paramount.

In a statement, the U.N. Human Rights Committee said it was satisfied "the ban on dwarf-tossing was not abusive but necessary in order to protect public order, including considerations of human dignity."

The committee also said the ban "did not amount to prohibited discrimination."

The pastime, imported from the United States and Australia in the 1980s, consists of people throwing tiny stuntmen as far as possible, usually in a bar or discotheque.

Yet another case of the UN treading where it should not tread. :|

"Dwarf tossing" sounds so rude.

yllus Tossing....now thats something interesting.

-PAB

 

[HappyPuppy]

After a few beers I'd toss Yoda at a wall if it didn't cost too much.

 

[Kadarin]

Think of the possibilities here: The UN passes a "forceful resolution" stating a worldwide ban on dwarf-tossing, immediately denounced by the Iraqi foreign minister as a conduit for US aggression. Conveniently the Chinese, Russians, and French ignore it due to substantial investments in the Iraqi nightclub and sports industries, and the resolution is rendered useless as the Iraqis move their clandestine dwarf-tossing program underground. Enraged, Dubya gives an impassioned speech to the UN, imploring that organization to put its money where its mouth is or risk a steep slide into irrelevence. Galvanized, the rest of the world falls into line condemning Iraqi dwarf-tossing. Undaunted, Iraq sends an 11th-hour letter to the UN offering dwarf-inspectors unrestricted access into the country, which once again fractures world opinion, forcing Dubya to take his case to Congress and the American people. Meanwhile, military preparations continue...

 

[Vic]

First the question is, where did the UN get the power to pass resolutions like this?
Second, anyone notice how the dwarf in question here wants to be tossed but "for his dignity" it is determined by his betters that that can't be allowed? Who are the racists? What is PC?

 

[Aves]

Originally posted by: PSYWVic
First the question is, where did the UN get the power to pass resolutions like this?

I think they pass resolutions like this all time, it's just that nobody cares or pays attention.

 

[308nato]

I propose that in place of dwarfs, we toss UN ambassadors instead. We can start by tossing them on their lazy @asses and then toss them out of the country.

 

[Sluggo]

I am really impressed that the UN has taken such an active interest in the really pressing matters concerning the world today.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: Sluggo
I am really impressed that the UN has taken such an active interest in the really pressing matters concerning the world today.

 

[yakko]

I think we should ban the U.N. until they can pull their heads out of their asses.

 

[Red Dawn]

In a related note, the US delegation has put forth a resolution declaring Sadam Hussien and his Generals "Dwarfs"

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn
In a related note, the US delegation has put forth a resolution declaring Sadam Hussien and his Generals "Dwarfs"

To outlaw tossing them?

 

[Squisher]

If the dwarf wants to be tossed, I don't see what the problem is.

 

[Rogue]

This is the unilateral body of countries that decide where US Army troops like myself go to fight, defend and possibly die? What a bunch of morons. They can barely pass a resolution to protect humanity from heinous international criminals, but they have time to pass something like this. This is complete and utter bull$hit!

 

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: Squisher
If the dwarf wants to be tossed, I don't see what the problem is.

I see this as being similar to the laws which closed down the freak sideshows in the 50's and 60's. The freaks' "dignity" was more important to some people than the fact that freaks liked having well-paying gainful employment and didn't want to be thrown out of work.

 

[ObiDon]

The pastime, imported from the United States and Australia in the 1980s...

Isn't dwarf-tossing just a bit older than 10-20 years? I also doubt that the US was one of the originating countries.

"Look out, Itchy! He's Irish!!!" -- Milhouse

 

[Miramonti]

What a joke. If someone wants to humiliate themselves for a living let them, they need to eat too. Maybe the UN could do something more productive, like hire a few of them instead. :frown: