Drag shows could soon be illegal under North Carolina law, with felony charges possible against offenders, after state Republicans filed a bill on Tuesday to “clarify the regulations on adult live entertainment.”
State House Bill 673 defined adult live entertainment as “a performance featuring topless dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, or male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest, regardless of whether or not performed for consideration.” The bill would ban these performances on public property or in private settings where a minor is present.
WITH NEW SUPERMAJORITY, NORTH CAROLINA REPUBLICANS FILE BILLS AIMED AT TRANSGENDER PEOPLE
Under the bill, first offenders would face a misdemeanor, with every subsequent violation resulting in a felony. Republican State Rep. Jeff Zenger sponsored the bill after he said he received complaints from people in his district about a drag show at a community college in the state where high school students were present.
“This bill is a response to those concerns expressed to me about age-appropriate entertainment,” Zenger told WRAL.
Equality NC, an organization “dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights” based in North Carolina, reacted to the filing of the bill.
“Drag performances are an important part of queer culture and a form of art expression,” Equality NC said. “Drag bans are yet another strategy to restrict gender and gender expression and legislate LGBTQ+ people out of existence.”
State Democrats have also opposed the bill, with some calling it discriminatory. Lawmakers on that side of the aisle have faced an onslaught of newly filed legislation after Rep. Tricia Cotham switched parties from Democrat to Republican earlier this month. The move gave Republicans a supermajority in the state legislature, nullifying Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s ability to veto passed legislation.
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Drag shows have become an extremely contentious topic across the United States, especially in the past couple of years. The entertainment is seen by many as a necessary form of expression and a show of inclusivity to those in the LGBTQ community who may not otherwise feel such acceptance. There are many others, however, who see it as inappropriate, especially for minors.
Violent militias have even targeted drag shows in several states across the country.
