Lawmakers called “topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators” who provide entertainment with excessive sexual behavior. The broad language — barring performances by these “or similar entertainers, regardless of whether or not they are performed for consideration” — has fueled fears in the LGBTQ community of a broad crackdown on drag performers, including in settings such as in Pride parades.
Tennessee lawmakers also passed a separate bill earlier in February banning gender-affirming care for most trans minors.
“I intend to sign them both,” Lee said, referring to the bills at a news conference Monday.
The bill would be one of at least 26 introduced across the country in the current legislative session of Republicans seeking to impose restrictions or conditions on drag events, as reported by The Washington Post.
Lee on Monday did not directly respond when asked if he knew of any specific incidents related to drag shows that the enactment of this bill would address.
“I think the concern is over there in the… building,” he said, gesturing to Dr. William Burrus Elementary School in Hendersonville, Tenn., where he spoke to reporters. “Children are likely to be exposed to sexual entertainment, to obscene acts, and we must make sure that they are not.”
Lee also addressed a yearbook photo that circulated online and appeared to show her in high school in 1977, dressed as a girl. The photo incited some local Democrats politicians and activists to accuse the governor of having a double standard.
Lee, asked if he remembered “wearing drag in 1977,” said it was “ridiculous” to mix “something like that with sexual entertainment in front of kids.”
Jade Byers, a spokeswoman for Lee, wrote in an email that the bill banning drag appears to “specifically protect children from lewd, sexual entertainment, and any attempt to mix it with seriousness.” This issue of school traditions is dishonest and disrespectful to Tennessee families.”
Both chambers must reconcile their fees before sending the final version to Lee table, according to the Tennessean.
A first violation of this law will be considered a Class A misdemeanor, with a maximum prison sentence of 11 months and 29 days and/or a maximum fine of $2,500. Any additional offense will be classified as a Class E felony, which can result in a prison term between one and six years, and a fine of up to $3,000.
Opponents argue that the bill discriminates against drag performers by signaling without evidence that drag shows — which can run the gamut from sexually explicit to family-friendly — can harm those child.
“The dangerous practice of banning LGBTQ+ events, spaces, and culture – including drag performance – is part of a larger attack on the LGBTQ+ community,” the Human Rights Campaign said in a statement. The advocacy group called the Tennessee bill an attempt to label LGBTQ+ people as “dangerous.”
The ACLU, in a statement about a separate bill being considered by state lawmakers that would require “adult cabaret” performers to obtain a permit and prohibit minors from attending these shows show, saying that limiting drag performers’ expression violates their constitutional rights.
“Dance, fashion, and music – important parts of a drag performance – are all protected by the First Amendment. However, these laws are written so broadly and vaguely that they allow government officials to -censor performers based on their own subjective views of what they deem appropriate on any given day,” the group said.
Advocates say the drag performance is not suitable for minors. Initiatives such as Drag Story Hour, where drag performers read books to children in libraries and schools, have been at the center of controversy.
In Tennessee, the bill’s sponsors say they are not seeking to ban drag shows but to limit children’s exposure to them. “I’m not going to try to take away anyone’s First Amendment rights,” states Sen. Jack Johnson (R), who introduced the legislation in November, previously told The Post. “But you should take your kids to a public park or library and not be surprised to see blatant sexual entertainment going on.”
Kimberly Kindy contributed to this report.