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TN Senate passes bill restricting drag shows

A child dances on stage during a drag show as part of celebrations for Pride month on June 25, 2022, in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Allison Joyce / AFP) (Photo by ALLISON JOYCE/AFP via Getty Images)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Tennessee Senate passed a bill Thursday that would restrict drag show performances.

Senate Bill 3, sponsored by Sen. Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), classifies performances by “male or female impersonators,” along with go-go dancers, exotic dancers and strippers, as an adult cabaret performance that “appeals to a prurient interest.”


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Under the bill, those performances could not take place on public property or in a location that could be viewed by a child.

A first offense would be classified as a Class E felony.

A House committe is scheduled to hear the bill Feb. 14.