The Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill banning drag shows in front of minors. With a large majority of votes in favor (79, to 19 against), the GOP-led initiative will go to Governor Bill Lee's office for full approval.
SB3, spearheaded by Republican state legislators Chris Todd and Jack Johnson, makes it a crime for "a person to engage in an adult cabaret performance on public property or in a location where it could be viewed by persons who are not adults."
"Once again, Tennessee leads the nation. We’re committed to ensuring Tennessee is the safest place to raise your family. This is a huge win for our state, and we’ll continue working to protect our kids.," Johnson said.
Once again, Tennessee leads the nation. We’re committed to ensuring Tennessee is the safest place to raise your family. This is a huge win for our state, and we’ll continue working to protect our kids. https://t.co/ptKj1Ax0LU
— Jack Johnson (@SenJohnson) February 24, 2023
If the bill is approved by Lee, a person who performs this type of act in front of children could be sentenced to one year in prison for a misdemeanor and fined $2,500. For repeat offenses, it is upgraded to a felony, and the penalty would be between one and six years in prison, and the fine would be up to $3,000.
Two weeks ago, the Tennessee Senate passed a bill banning transgender surgeries and treatments on minors. The Tennessee GOP-driven initiative also prohibits medical providers from offering young people the ability to treat or undergo sex change surgery.
Not only in Tennessee
In January, the Arkansas Senate passed legislation classifying drag shows as an adults-only business, which would limit when and where such performances could take place.
The Arkansas bill prohibits these shows from being held in public places to prevent any underage person from attending, as is the case with strip clubs or escort services.
