Tennessee legislature passes Bill to ban drag shows in front of children!

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (PNN) - February 27, 2023 - Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill that would prevent drag shows from taking place on public property or in front of children.

The bill classifies “male and female impersonators” as adult cabaret performers, while also banning “adult-oriented performances that are harmful to minors.” The legislation, SB3, now makes its way to Governor Bill Lee’s office.

State Rep. Chris Todd (Madison County) filed the bill, saying “this is a common-sense child-safety bill.” The bill, which passed by a vote of 79 to 19, makes it illegal to host an “adult cabaret performance” in a location where children are present.

The legislation, which was proposed by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, also bans adult cabaret performances on public property.

Cabaret performers are defined as “topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, [and] male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest.”

Should the bill be signed into law by Governor Lee, anyone who either hosts or performs a drag show in the presence of children would be charged with a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of $2,500.

Violators will also be subject to up to one year in prison. Meanwhile, repeat offenses would be considered a felony, with defendants subject to a $3,000 fine and anywhere between one and six years in prison.

“The intent of the legislation is to simply say that you cannot have sexually explicit entertainment in a public venue where children might be present,” Johnson noted.

He went on to say, “We’re protecting children, families, and parents who want to be able to take their children to public places.”