Tennessee Republicans are pushing back against drag shows by expanding upon a bill criminalizing such performances.
Republican State Rep. Clay Doggett introduced Tennessee House Bill 30 in January. It bans minors from shows that entail “adult cabaret,” defined as “topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to prurient interest.”
The Hill reports the measure is expected to pass as it heads to the GOP-dominated state Senate for consideration.
Under the bill, “adult cabaret” performers would be required to have a state-issued permit if they wish to be paid. According to The Hill, LGBTQ advocates believe it would lead to surveillance.
“This essentially allows the government to maintain a list of drag and trans performers,” Allison Chapman, a legislative researcher and activist, tweeted.
Per The Hill, Doggett said the permits would be administered by each county’s adult-oriented establishment board to protect children from explicitly sexual content.
“All we are doing is stating that a permit will be required for adult cabaret performance, which is defined as being harmful to minors,” he stated on the House floor on Monday.
First-time offenders will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a $2,500 fine and up to a year in jail. Additional offenses will be charged as a Class E felony, weighted with a six-year prison sentence, according to the bill.
Tennessee is the first state to restrict drag shows, with others poised to do the same.
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