Montana Governor Signs Bill Banning Drag Queen Story Hours
Montana has become the first state to pass a law specifically prohibiting individuals dressed in drag from reading books to children in public schools and libraries.
The legislation is part of a series of bills aimed at curtailing LGBTQ+ rights, not only in Montana but in other states as well.
Sasha Buchert, an attorney from the national organization Lambda Legal, which focuses on protecting the civil rights of the LGBTQ+ community and those living with HIV and AIDS, criticized the new law, stating that it raises constitutional concerns and stifles an initiative that provides support and comfort to transgender youth.
Lambda Legal believes this to be the first bill of its kind to directly outlaw drag reading events. The bill, supported by over half of the Republican-controlled legislature, was swiftly enacted after Governor Greg Gianforte, a Republican, signed it into law on Monday.
