June 23, 2005 | Sex & Society

Gay strippers allowed into Canada

A stripper troupe that calls itself "The Backstreet Boys of the gay male adult entertainment world" will be allowed to perform during Toronto Pride Week after all.

The six dancers learned last week that the Canadian government had suspended work permits under the exotic-dancer program, due to a scandal last year.

But on Monday, the government reversed course again and granted the six Americans work permits under the program -- an apparent exception to the rule which prompted complaints of a double standard from straight strip club owners.

According to a spokesperson for Human Resources and Development Canada, the  exception was made in the case of the six U.S. male strippers since they had been granted initial approval and had travelled to Toronto before Pride Week with the understanding they would receive work permits. The six will be performing at Remington's starting tonight.

• Gay strip troupe receive visas [The Globe and Mail]
• Previously: Gay strippers banned from Canada