Tenn. enacts drag ban and criminalizes violations
Senate Bill 3, which prohibits drag shows labeled as “adult cabaret performances” from taking place within 1,000 feet of schools, public parks or places of worship was signed Thursday into law by Republican Gov.
Bill Lee, effective April 1. One of the lead sponsors of the measure state Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R) told reporters, “The bill specifically protects children from obscene, sexualized entertainment, and any attempt to conflate this serious issue with lighthearted school traditions is dishonest and disrespectful to Tennessee families.” According to the law, first-time violators may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a $2,500 fine and up to a year in jail.
Any subsequent offenses will be classified as a Class E felony, carrying a maximum 6-year prison sentence. On Monday the picture showing the future governor in drag was published on Twitter and when asked by reporters about the picture; “What a ridiculous, ridiculous question that is,” Lee responded. “Conflating something like that to sexualized entertainment in front of children … which is a very serious subject.” The post Tenn.
enacts drag ban and criminalizes violations appeared first on Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News.
