Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A bill aimed at curtailing drag shows hosted in community spaces, which was introduced during last year’s legislative session, passed on the House floor on Tuesday amidst heckling from protestors in the gallery who were ordered removed by House Speaker Cameron Sexton.
House Bill 0884 (HB0884), sponsored by Representative Chris Todd (R-Madison County-District 73), was in motion during the first year of the 114th General Assembly in 2025 but did not make it to the floor for a final vote before the session wrapped in early April.
Now in the second year of the 114th General Assembly, lawmakers are picking back up where they left off.
After adding an amendment to the bill that updated when the proposed legislation might take effect, the bill was voted on and passed 73 to 24 exclusively along party lines.
Present law defines “adult cabaret” as “a cabaret that features topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators, or similar entertainers.” Todd’s bill would include both single and multiple performances by entertainers in that definition, such as drag performers who appear at events scheduled at restaurants and other venues thereby classifying them as an “adult orientated establishment.”
While yet to go to the Senate, should the bill become law, it would prohibit inappropriate performances within 1,000 feet of a child care facility, schools, public parks, family recreation centers, houses of worship, or homes and place restrictions on when they could happen.
Aiming to protect minors from obscenity, Todd stated last year that his bill would not outlaw an event like a drag storytime at a public library provided no nudity or “obscene behavior” was included.
The bill’s counterpart is being sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28).
In 2023, Todd successfully sponsored legislation that makes performing “adult cabaret” on public property, or in view of a minor, a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense, and for subsequent violations, a Class E felony.
Despite alleged violations, no drag performers have been prosecuted under the law to date.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
