Tennessee could become the first U.S. state to ban drag performances in public.
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00Tennessee lawmakers have passed a bill restricting drag performances in public
00:04or in front of children. On February 23rd, the House passed the bill,
00:08which will now return to the Senate for a procedural vote before final passage by Governor
00:12Bill Lee. The bill classifies quote male and female impersonators as adult cabaret performers
00:17and bans quote adult-oriented performances that are harmful to minors. If signed by the governor,
00:22the law would make holding a drag show on public property or where it could be viewed by a minor,
00:26a misdemeanor if a first-time offense, and a felony on subsequent offenses.
00:30LGBTQ plus advocates, civil rights groups, and drag performers have condemned the bill,
00:35saying it could lead to increased harassment and violence against gay and transgender people.
00:40In recent months, lawmakers in 15 states have introduced more than 20 bills aiming to limit drag.