Legislators in the Alabama House of Representatives introduced a bill Thursday that would make it illegal for any drag show to take place in K-12 public schools, public libraries or any public space where minors are present.
The bill, HB 401, is cosponsored by House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle), and Reps. Arnold Mooney (R-Indian Springs), Jamie Kiel (R-Russellville), Mack Butler (R-Rainbow City), Jim Carns (R-Vestavia Hills) and Chris Sells (R-Greenville). The bill is being sent to the State Government committee.
Central Alabama Pride, a non-profit LGBTQ rights organization, Tweeted that the group “vehemently opposes” the legislation.
Central Alabama Pride stands with the LGBTQ+ community and vehemently opposes this harmful legislation. The bill is a clear violation of the First Amendment rights to free speech and expression and will further perpetuate discrimination and marginalization. pic.twitter.com/3Ow0FTOcTL
— Central Alabama Pride (@Central_ALPride) April 28, 2023
HB 401, if passed, would amend Alabama’s Anti-Obscenity Enforcement Act that prohibits the distribution of obscene material to minors. Under the current law, the material must appeal to an excessive interest in sexual matters such as sexual conduct and be devoid of any artistic, literary, political or scientific value in order to be considered obscene. The newly proposed legislation alters the definition of sexual conduct to specifically forbid the following:
“Any sexual or gender oriented material that exposes minors to persons who are dressed in sexually revealing, exaggerated, or provocative clothing or costumes, or are stripping, or engaged in lewd or lascivious dancing, presentations, or activities, including but not limited to topless, go-go, or exotic dancers, or male or female impersonators, commonly known as drag queens or drag kings.”
About a dozen states have similar legislation that has either been introduced or enacted.
Tennessee became the first state in the country to ban drag shows this year. However, the bill has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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