I am a burlesque performer in Utah, my performance is art, and it's the way I earn a living. There are many restrictions on how I can perform due to the current Blue Laws of the state. These laws, originally intended to uphold colonial era norms, now impose unnecessary limits on artists like me, thereby affecting my income and personal expression.

These Blue Laws restrict various activities on Sundays and impose guidelines on public decency, many of which are now considered archaic. For instance, it is still illegal to whistle on a Sunday in Salt Lake City. These laws have been repealed in many states due to their outdated nature, but still hold in Utah.

Artists have the right to express themselves freely and audiences have the right to experience such performances. The existing Blue Laws infringe the First Amendment right to freedom of expression. However, society has evolved, and so should our laws. As per the 'State of the First Amendment 2020’ by the Freedom Forum, 73% of Americans agree that it's crucial to protect this right even if it runs counter to tradition.

The impact is not just personal, but also economic. The burlesque industry injects much-needed life into local economies and tourism. Burlesque performances in Nevada, where there are no such Blue Laws, contributed over $18 million to Las Vegas' economy in 2019 (Las Vegas Revenue Report, 2019).

In turn, by revoking these Blue Laws, we can foster an enriched cultural community, encourage local businesses, and uphold the true spirit of individual rights. I urge you to support this petition to review and repeal these Blue Laws in Utah, giving artists like me the freedom to express their work without antiquated restrictions. Sign this petition to join in making Utah a more culturally diverse and economically vibrant state!