A new bill filed by Alabama House Republicans would ban all public drag shows, among other performances, in the presence of minors.
HB401, filed Thursday, would outlaw any “lewd or lascivious dancing, presentations, or activities” that include “exotic dancers or male or female impersonators” in public K-12 schools, libraries or any other public places where children under 18 are present.
The bill amends the state’s Anti-Obscenity Enforcement Act, which prohibits the distribution of obscene material to minors.
In order for material to be considered obscene, it must appeal to an excessive interest in sexual matters, depict or describe sexual conduct, and lack any literary, artistic, political or scientific value.
HB401 expands the definition of “sexual conduct” to specifically prohibit the following:
“Any sexual or gender oriented material that exposes minors to persons who are dressed in sexually revealing, exaggerated, or provocative clothing or costumes, or are stripping, or engaged in lewd or lascivious dancing, presentations, or activities, including but not limited to topless, go-go, or exotic dancers, or male or female impersonators, commonly known as drag queens or drag kings.”
Under current Alabama law, any person who knowingly distributes obscene material to minors could be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $10,000 for a first offense.
The legislation – brought forth by a group of six male Republican lawmakers – comes as conservative states across the country attack drag shows and other LGBTQ topics.
According to Time, at least fourteen other states have enacted anti-drag bills using similar language.
Tennessee became the first state in the country to ban drag shows this year. Its bill was temporarily blocked by a federal judge last month.
In 2018, Rainbow Mobile hosted a drag queen story hour at a local library, with more than 100 people in attendance. Performers read “Stella Has a Family” and “Rainbow Fish.”
In a statement Thursday evening, Central Alabama Pride, a non-profit LGBTQ rights organization, condemned the bill, calling it a “harmful and discriminatory measure” targeting the LGBTQ community.
“This bill is an outrageous attack on freedom of expression and the vibrant culture of the LGBTQ community in Alabama,” said Central Alabama Pride President Josh Coleman, adding that the bill was so broad it could “criminalize a day at the beach.”
“Drag performances have long been a source of empowerment, resilience, and unity for our community, and banning them is an affront to our fundamental rights,” he said.
HB401 will be heard in the House State Government Committee before it is able to be voted on in the House floor.
The bill is sponsored by Rep. Arnold Mooney (R-Indian Springs), Rep. Jamie Kiel (R-Russellville), Rep. Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle), Rep. Mack Butler (R-Rainbow City), Rep. Jim Carns (R-Vestavia Hills) and Rep. Chris Sells (R-Greenville).
