The White House condemned Tennessee Governor Bill Lee for signing two pieces of legislation this week that regulate drag shows and ban minors from getting sex-change operations.
On Thursday, Lee signed SB3/HB9, which outlaws drag shows in public spaces and restricts them to age-appropriate venues, and SB1/HB1, which prohibits minors from receiving puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and transgender surgeries.
MASSIVE NEWS: Governor @BillLeeTN just signed into law the 2 bills we’ve fought so hard for. Taking kids to drag shows, giving them sex change surgeries, hormones and puberty blockers are all illegal now. Great work @SenJohnson @WilliamLamberth @LandonStarbuck @MattWalshBlog! pic.twitter.com/y5S67tqucS
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) March 2, 2023
The bills have long been criticized by progressive groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, which has since threatened legal action.
On Friday, when asked by a reporter what the White House makes of the pair of bills signed by Lee, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre argued that the bills do nothing to address “real issues that are impacting American people.”
Citing policy topics including inflation, education, and the economy, Jean-Pierre said, “The American people are focused on so many issues,” adding, “But instead of doing anything to address those real issues that are impacting American people, right now you have a governor from Tennessee has decided to go after drag shows.”
She continued, adding, “What sense does that make to go after drag shows? How is that going to help people’s lives who are thinking about the economy, who are thinking about making sure their kids are going — are going to be safe when they go to school or their communities are safe? But that’s what he wants to focus on.
In addition, Jean-Pierre called the enactment of the bills “unacceptable” and “unfortunate.”
When asked what the White House’s “message to the LGBTQ youth in the state, as well as drag performers” was, Jean-Pierre re-affirmed President Joe Biden’s support for the LGBTQ community.
“The President always has been very clear when it comes to vulnerable communities, like the LGBTQ community, that he has their backs,” Jean-Pierre stated.
– – –
Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Bill Lee” by Gov. Bill Lee.
