Giles County Agri-Board Votes To Ban Drag Shows At County Park
Image Credit: Giles County Agriculture Park
The Tennessee Conservative [By Jason Vaughn] –
One Tennessee county is stepping up to ban drag shows in its venues, even as state lawmakers continue to debate the issue.
Several new bylaws and regulations were passed for the Giles County Agri-Park last month. In addition to laws regulating park hours, fireworks, and cookouts, the Board Committee also instituted a ban on adult entertainment, including “male or female impersonators.”
According to The Tennessean, County Commissioner and Committee Chair Matt Rubelsky stated the night before the meeting that “no vote on Friday (or any day) regarding adult cabaret in public spaces” would be taking place.
However, the next day, a vote was taken and passed, banning “male or female impersonators.”
Rubelsky later said that the new regulations are just one step in an “ongoing effort to revisit and revise” polices that would “have bearing on the health, safety, welfare, and morals of our community.”
The new park rules state, “Nudity, live performances which involve the removal of clothing or garments, performances of male or female impersonators, the performance or simulation of sexual or indecent acts, public indecency, and the display, distribution, or sale of sexually oriented materials or pornography are prohibited.”
Pulaski Mayor Patrick Ford initially expressed a concern that the rule would not be defensible and also noted that the facility had previously hosted a womanless beauty review and comedic events where men dressed as women.
However, County Attorney Chris Williams said the policy was reasonable and he would “defend it,” leading Ford to vote in favor of the new rules.
Rubelsky said the goal was to maintain the facility as a “family friendly environment.”
Former County Executive Melissa Greene, who approved the permit for a July 2022 Pulaski Pride event at the Agri-Park, says she is surprised by all of the pushback against groups.
“The First Amendment right to assemble is vitally important, especially the county executive role…Just because it’s not your group, or not your favorite person, does not give you a right to ban them. It’s the very definition of discrimination,” Greene said.
Green was replaced in her role by Graham Stowe, who stated on social media, “We need conservative leadership…no more excuses, no more fence straddling.”
The State Senate has already passed a bill that would add language to current obscenity laws to include “adult cabaret performances.” The companion bill passed the House Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday and has been placed on the Calendar and Rules Committee for scheduling to be heard on the House floor.
About the Author: Jason Vaughn, Media Coordinator for The Tennessee Conservative ~ Jason previously worked for a legacy publishing company based in Crossville, TN in a variety of roles through his career. Most recently, he served as Deputy Director for their flagship publication. Prior, he was a freelance journalist writing articles that appeared in the Herald Citizen, the Crossville Chronicle and The Oracle among others. He graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s in English-Journalism, with minors in Broadcast Journalism and History. Contact Jason at news@TennesseeConservativeNews.com
