Arkansas Senate passes bill classifying drag shows as adult entertainment | Arkansas
, 2023-01-24 15:58:00,
(The Center Square) – The Arkansas Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would classify drag shows as an adult business and ban performances on public property.
The bill defines a drag show as one in which a performer “exhibits a gender identity that is different from the performer’s gender assigned at birth by wearing clothing, makeup, or other accessories traditionally worn by members and intended to exaggerate the gender of the performer.” gender identity of the opposite sex of the actor”.
The program must appeal to “lewd” or sexual interests to be classified as adult entertainment. The bill also says that adult-oriented businesses cannot be where a minor can see them.
Sen. Gary Stubblefield, R-Branch, sponsored the bill.
“I can’t think of any redeeming qualities, anything good that could come from taking children and putting them in front of a group of grown men dressed as women,” Stubblefield said. “I thought, and I thought, and I thought. Nothing came to my mind.”
Opponents said the bill targets the LGBTQ community. Sen. Clark Tucker, D-Little Rock, quoted Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders as saying she would veto a bill that “grows government as free” in her inaugural address.
“I’m not convinced that this legislation really represents limited government,” Tucker said. “When it comes to our lives and the lives of our people, I…
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