Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A bill aimed at curtailing drag shows in community spaces is set to be heard in the Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee on February 3rd.
Senate Bill 1424 (SB1424) sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28) was set to be heard in the Senate at the end of the 2025 legislative session but was deferred until this year after the session came to a close.
With the bill’s House counterpart having passed earlier this month, the legislation, which defines “adult cabaret” as entertainment that includes “male or female impersonators” along with topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, and strippers, now heads back to the Senate Judiaciary Committee to be heard February 3rd.
SB1424 would amend the state’s legal definition of an “adult-oriented establishment.” Currently, such venues are defined as commercial spaces which restrict admission to adults only and whose primary business is offering materials or activities of a sexual nature. Todd’s proposed legislation would broaden the definition to include community or municipal centers that host occasional “adult cabaret entertainment” or performances that included sexually suggestive content, like drag.
In broadening the definition, local governments would be given the authority to regulate community spaces that host such performances.
Last year, House sponsor Representative Chris Todd (R-Madison County-District 73) said during a House Criminal Justice Subcommittee meeting that under his bill the same restrictions preventing adult establishments from operating within 1,000 feet of churches or schools would also apply to any facility hosting a drag show, even if it was only once a year.
Aiming to protect minors from obscenity, Todd also stated that his bill would not outlaw an event like a drag storytime at a public library provided no nudity or “obscene behavior” was included.
Contact information for members of the Senate Judiciary Committee can be found below.
Sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.bobby.harshbarger@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.london.lamar@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.brent.taylor@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.paul.rose@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.bobby.harshbarger@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.sara.kyle@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.london.lamar@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.brent.taylor@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.dawn.white@capitol.tn.gov
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
