Victory! Tennessee becomes first state to ban drag shows on public property

March 3, 2023

"Senator Jack Johnson is majority leader in the Tennessee Senate and has championed pro-family fights for over a decade. He sponsored legislation to expell pro-homosexual propaganda in schools in Tennessee in 2011 and is the chief sponsor of Senate Bill 003, to ban drag shows on public property which has passed the legislature and now is signed by the governor, " says Eugene Delgaudio, president of Public Advocate.

The Tennessean Reports:

"Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, is sponsoring the legislation, SB03, which aims to block "adult cabaret performances" on public property or in a place where they could be viewed by a child.

The legislation defines adult cabaret to include performers like exotic dancers and "strippers," but it also includes "male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient," or inappropriately sexualized, interest.

If passed, the bill would make the first offense a misdemeanor. A second offense would be a Class E felony, which could carry between one to six years in prison. "

FOX NEWS REPORTS

Tennessee becomes first state to ban drag shows on public property, near schools Tennessee bill signed into law also bans gender transition surgeries for minors

Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves on Tuesday signed legislation banning gender reassignment surgeries for minors, saying children should not be allowed to undergo permanent, body-altering surgeries. (WBDB)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed legislation on Thursday restricting drag shows and banning gender transition treatments for minors.

Tennessee is now the first state to limit the performances, and the provision criminalizes performances that take place in public or where they could be seen by children.

The bill prohibits "adult cabaret performances" from taking place within 1,000 feet of schools, public parks or places of worship, according to The Hill.

The law takes effect on July 1.

The legislation builds on existing restrictions on "adult-oriented businesses" in Tennessee, expanding obscenity laws there to include performances that feature topless or exotic dancers or "male or female impersonators" that provide entertainment appealing "to a prurient interest."

So, what is the punishment for performing?

First-time violators may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor that is punishable by a $2,500 fine and as long as a year in prison. Any subsequent offenses will be classified as a Class E felony.

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Tennessee state Sen. Jack Johnson, a Republican, said the bill addresses "sexually suggestive drag shows" that are inappropriate for children.

Additionally, health care providers in the state are not allowed to prescribe puberty blockers or hormones, or to perform gender transition surgeries for minors.