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 Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s office.
State Rep. Chris Todd, R-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.”
There’s an LGBTQ investigative + data journalists meetup in Nashville, Tennessee next week, happening just as the state moves to ban drag and the highest-profile newsroom in the country cracks down on staff opposition to their coverage of trans issues https://t.co/dieENdl6R7
— Kat Tenbarge (@kattenbarge) February 24, 2023
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
via madpatriotnews