State legislators introduce bill to ban public drag shows where children are present

With gender issues and transgender ideology being pushed onto children increasingly across the country, parents and conservative lawmakers are starting to push back.

Several Alabama House Republicans introduced a bill Thursday that aims to further protect children from obscene material by adding drag shows to the list of "sexual conduct" prohibited in public places where minors are present.

House Bill 401 is sponsored by State Reps. Arnold Mooney (R-Indian Springs), Jamie Kiel (R-Rusellville), Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle), Mack Butler (R-Rainbow City) and Jim Carns (R-Vestavia Hills). It revises some of the language in Alabama's Code related to obscenity and minors and amends the definition of sexual conduct to include drag queen/king shows.

"The term [sexual conduct] means: ... 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," the bill reads. "This sexual conduct is prohibited in K-12 public schools, public libraries, and in other public places where minors are present."

Other conservative states, like Tennessee, have passed legislation to ban drag show performances in front of children despite fierce pushback from LGBTQ activist groups.

Central Alabama Pride issued a statement Thursday condemning Alabama's HB401 as "harmful" and violating the First Amendment.

"Central Alabama Pride stands with the LGBTQ+ community and vehemently opposes this harmful legislation. The bill is a clear violation of the First Amendment rights to free speech and expression and will further perpetuate discrimination and marginalization."

Central Alabama Pride stands with the LGBTQ+ community and vehemently opposes this harmful legislation. The bill is a clear violation of the First Amendment rights to free speech and expression and will further perpetuate discrimination and marginalization. pic.twitter.com/3Ow0FTOcTL
— Central Alabama Pride (@Central_ALPride) April 28, 2023