Image Credit: TN General Assembly & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A bill aimed at curtailing drag shows hosted in community spaces which has already passed on the House floor has stalled in the Senate.
Senate Bill 1424 (SB1424), sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28), has been “general subbed” meaning it has been assigned to the General Subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee with no definite date set for it to be reconsidered on the Senate floor.
While the legislation is technically just postponed for the time being, and could be brought back if a motion is made on the Senate floor, many bills that meet this fate remain in limbo for the remainder of the legislative session, effectively ending their progress.
The bill aims to 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.
SB1424 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.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
