Doggett, Hensley’s Bill To Ban Drag Shows for Tennessee Kids Placed On Committee Calendar
Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –
A bill to ban drag shows for children within the state of Tennessee has officially been scheduled for committee discussion.
Rep. Clay Doggett (R-Pulaski-District 70) is the lead sponsor of House Bill 0030, which would place more regulations on adult entertainers and compensated adult entertainment.
As of January 30th, 2023, the legislation has also been picked up in the Senate by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28) under SB0841.
With this legislation, public, private, and commercial establishments would be banned from allowing anyone under the age of 18 to attend performances featuring “adult cabaret entertainment.”
The bill defines “adult cabaret entertainment” as “entertainment suitable for mature audiences, including entertainment erotic in nature, and featuring go-go dancers, exotic dancers, topless dancers, male or female impersonators, or similar entertainers.”
It also requires adult entertainers to secure a valid permit through the “adult-oriented establishment board” before participating in any form of compensated adult entertainment.
Although Republican figures often struggle with regulating certain industries for fear that regulating it means they are condoning it, legislators like Rep. Doggett and Sen. Hensley seem to recognize the importance of such regulations when it comes to protecting our children.
In a culture that seeks to influence young minds through whatever means available, this type of preventative action is vital to the preservation of values held by many parents and families throughout the state of Tennessee.
Now that this legislation has been introduced in both the House and the Senate, it is important that Tennessee’s state legislators know how their constituents feel about the issue.
If you wish to express your support and help move this legislation forward, reach out to the bill sponsors using the contact information below.
Senator Joey Hensley (R) – sen.joey.hensley@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3100
Representative Clay Doggett (R) – rep.clay.doggett@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-7476
House Bill 0030 has been assigned to the House Subcommittee on Cities and Counties and is scheduled for committee consideration on February 8th, 2023.
The corresponding Senate Bill, SB0841, is still awaiting its committee assignment.
If you wish to express your support and help move this legislation forward, reach out to the Representatives on the subcommittee using the contact information below.
Rep. Jerome Moon (R) – Chair – rep.jerome.moon@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-5481
Rep. Rebecca Alexander (R) – rep.rebecca.alexander@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2251
Rep. John Crawford (R) – rep.john.crawford@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-7623
Rep. Michael Hale (R) – rep.michael.hale@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2192
Rep. John Holsclaw (R) – rep.john.holsclaw@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-7450
Rep. William Slater (R) – rep.william.slater@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2534
Rep. Dave Wright (R) – rep.dave.wright@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6879
Rep. Sam McKenzie (D) – rep.sam.mckenzie@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-0768
About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee.
It’s a sign of the times when a law has to be passed to enforce common sense.