Tennessee Enacts Law Restricting Drag Shows as Red States Mull Copycat Bills

Gov. Bill Lee (R-TN) signed a bill into law Thursday that criminalizes drag show performances in certain public places or anywhere they could be viewed by children.

The drag ban, known as Senate Bill 3, bans “adult cabaret performances” within 1,000 feet of schools, houses of worship, or public parks. The decision came shortly after Lee signed a bill prohibiting minors from accessing gender transition surgeries and hormone therapy.

When SB 3 goes into effect on July 1, first-time violators may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor that is punishable by a $2,500 fine and up to a year in jail. Any future offenses will constitute a Class E felony and carry a maximum six-year prison sentence.

The Tennessee measure was passed with the help of Republican supermajorities in both the state House and the Senate. It comes as nearly a dozen other similar bills are presently working their way through GOP-led state legislatures.

Republican proponents of such measures say that without them, children can be exposed to sexual themes and images.

WATCH: In the midst of the felony drag bill passing in the state, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is asked if he "remembers dressing in drag in 1977." This was his response. https://t.co/Xdfv8nnXf4 pic.twitter.com/ykOeBUDqs4

— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) February 27, 2023