Key takeaways:
- Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill that would restrict drag performances in public or in front of children
- The bill has been met with criticism from the LGBT community, who argue that it is an attempt to limit their freedom of expression
- The bill is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Lee, and will go into effect immediately
Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill on Thursday that would restrict drag performances in public or in front of children, making the state the latest in a string of Republican-led efforts to limit drag performances in at least 15 states.
The bill, expected to be passed by Gov. Bill Lee (R), would prohibit “adult-oriented” performances on public property and in front of children, The Tennessean reported. The bill is one of more than 20 nationwide aimed at restricting drag performances, which have grown from an underground performance art to a mainstream entertainment.
Performers and civil rights groups have condemned the proposed drag regulations, saying they are unconstitutional, redundant under existing obscenity laws, and would lead to further harassment and violence. In a statement, Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson said the new bill will protect children, a common refrain among conservatives.
The bill has been met with criticism from the LGBT community, who argue that the bill is an attempt to limit their freedom of expression. Supporters of the bill, however, argue that it is necessary to protect children from inappropriate content.
The bill is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Lee, and will go into effect immediately. It is unclear how the law will be enforced, and what the consequences will be for those who violate it.
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