Tennessee is set to ban drag

Tennessee could become the first U.S. state to ban drag performances in public.

Transcript

00:00Tennessee lawmakers have passed a bill restricting drag performances in public

00:04or in front of children. On February 23rd, the House passed the bill,

00:08which will now return to the Senate for a procedural vote before final passage by Governor

00:12Bill Lee. The bill classifies quote male and female impersonators as adult cabaret performers

00:17and bans quote adult-oriented performances that are harmful to minors. If signed by the governor,

00:22the law would make holding a drag show on public property or where it could be viewed by a minor,

00:26a misdemeanor if a first-time offense, and a felony on subsequent offenses.

00:30LGBTQ plus advocates, civil rights groups, and drag performers have condemned the bill,

00:35saying it could lead to increased harassment and violence against gay and transgender people.

00:40In recent months, lawmakers in 15 states have introduced more than 20 bills aiming to limit drag.