Last week, lawmakers in the Alabama House of Representatives introduced a bill 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.
One of the bills cosponsors, House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle), discussed why he supports the ban during a Tuesday appearance on WVNN’s “The Yaffee Program.”
“Well it’s actually a no-brainer,” Stadthagen said. “Some of the stuff that’s taking place in our society nowadays is actually just really sickening … I can’t imagine that any grown adult that would allow their children to be present with some of this stuff taking place, and this is going to protect the kids where obviously their parents aren’t going to do it for them.”
The lawmaker responded to those who argue that the bill would infringe on people’s First Amendment rights.
“You’ve got bars where they sell alcohol and minors aren’t allowed to be there,” he said. “You’ve got liquor stores where minors can’t purchase alcohol, adult videos stores that minors cannot be in. There’s no difference in that than what we’re talking about now.”
Stadthagen said those who want children to participate in drag shows are trying to normalize indecent behavior in the minds of those children.
“What they’re trying to do is groom our younger society to make it more acceptable when they get older,” he said. “It’s a mental illness.”
Stadthagen also responded to those who claim Republicans are too focused on something that really doesn’t take place in Alabama.
“There have been several attempts where they tried to make it happen that did not take place,” he said. “It’s happening all across our country. Everywhere you turn around you hear about drag shows taking place and this agenda being pushed on our younger generation.
“And my response too is: If it’s not happening then why are you worried about if we’re passing legislation to protect kids?”
He reiterated that he and his colleagues are determined to put a stop to the practice in the Yellowhammer State.
“If anybody is on Twitter or social media and seen the videos of this stuff taking place, absolutely sickening. It really just turns your stomach watching it,” he said. “And that is something we are going to prevent from happening in the state of Alabama.”
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee
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