From Local 3 News: The Tennessee Senate approved legislation yesterday designed to restrict where certain drag shows can take place. Sen
From Local 3 News: The Tennessee Senate approved legislation yesterday designed to restrict where certain drag shows can take place.
Senate lawmakers voted 26-6 in favor of the bill, with only Democrats opposing. The bill is slightly different than a version moving through the House chamber.
Under the Senate bill, the words “drag show” are not explicitly stated. Instead, the legislation would expand the definition of adult cabaret in Tennessee’s law to include that such “adult-oriented performances that are harmful to minors,” as defined in Tennessee’s obscenity law.
The legislation then bans adult cabaret from taking place on public property or in a location where minors might be present.
The attention now moves to the House, which is debating a slightly different version of the bill. It’s unknown whether House members will amend their legislation to align with the Senate version.
If the House passes the bill, performers could be charged with a misdemeanor.
The second offense is a felony.
If fully approved, the bill would go into effect on July 1, 2023.
