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The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A bill introduced during last year’s legislative session, aimed at curtailing drag shows hosted in community spaces, is back now that the Tennessee General Assembly has convened in Nashville.
House Bill 0884 (HB0884), sponsored by Representative Chris Todd (R-Madison County-District 73), has an updated amendment ready to go which defines “adult cabaret” as entertainment that includes “male or female impersonators” along with topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, and strippers.
Should the bill make it through the entire legislative process and become law, it would take effect shortly after the conclusion of this year’s legislative session.
HB0884 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, Todd 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.
HB0884 has fifteen representatives signed on as cosponsors. The bill’s counterpart (SB1424) 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.
