The Tennessee House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that, if enacted, would ban “adult cabaret” performances – such as drag shows – on public property or anywhere they “could be viewed by a person who is not an adult.”
The bill now heads to Governor Bill Lee’s desk for signature.
This legislation was introduced in December and is sponsored by State Representative Chris Todd (R-Madison County).
House Bill 9, according to its summary, would “create an offense for a person who engages in an adult cabaret performance on public property or in a location where the adult cabaret performance could be viewed by a person who is not an adult.”
The summary continues, “The bill defines an “adult cabaret performance” to mean a performance in a location other than an adult cabaret that features topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest, or similar entertainers, regardless of whether or not performed for consideration.”
If enacted, an offense to the law would be classified as a Class A misdemeanor on the first violation and as a Class E felony on the second or subsequent violation.
The bill passed by a 74-19 vote on Thursday.
On Thursday, the Tennessee House of Representatives also voted to pass House Bill 1, ‘The Protecting Children from Gender Mutilation Act.’
Tennessee just passed HB1, 77 to 16. This bill makes it illegal to give kids puberty blockers, hormones and sex change surgeries. Thank you @WilliamLamberth and @SenJohnson for fighting alongside @LandonStarbuck @MattWalshBlog and I to make it happen! Now it goes to @GovBillLee!
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) February 23, 2023
This bill, according to its summary, would forbid healthcare providers from performing or administering to underage children medical procedures or treatments to enable the child to identify with the opposite gender.
The bill was first introduced in November after it was revealed that Vanderbilt University Medical Center was performing transgender surgeries on minors. Several Tennessee lawmakers – including Governor Lee – called for legislation banning transgender medical treatment on minors after learning of the revelation.
Minor sex-change operations and “child-friendly” drag shows have become a hot topic of debate nationwide, with Republicans working to end the practices.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
