Tennessee Bill Banning Drag Shows on Public Property Advances to House Committee
The Tennessee House Criminal Justice Subcommittee on Jan. 31 voted to advance a bill that would ban drag shows from being conducted on public property where they can be viewed by children.
The committee voted 7–1 to recommend HB 09, meaning it will now advance to the Senate Calendar Committee.
If passed, the legislation (pdf), which was initially introduced by Sen. Jack Johnson (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Chris Todd (R-Tenn.) in November 2022, would update existing state laws regarding adult cabaret performances to more strictly limit drag performances in the state.
The bill defines an adult cabaret performance as “a performance in a location other than an adult cabaret that features topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest, or similar entertainers, regardless of whether or not performed for consideration.”…