Montana passes law restricting drag shows, branding them “adult-oriented”
Montana lawmakers have passed a bill attempting to ban drag shows from taking place in public places across the state. HB359, which is headed to the desk of Republican Governor Greg Gianforte where it will either be signed into law or vetoed, originally mentioned “drag shows” explicitly.
Its current version instead loosely defines drag performances as “adult-oriented shows” that are “intended to appeal to a prurient interest in sex and features”.
It fails to acknowledge the breadth of drag that exists and the fact that performances can be amended to make them suitable for all audiences.
The bill prohibits Drag Story Hour from taking place in schools and libraries that receive public funding, instead limiting drag to what it calls “adult-oriented businesses” such as nightclubs and bars.
