Terrible news.
The first drag ban has passed in Tennessee, and goes to the governors desk.
It could easily ban pride. It bans public drag. It bans transgender people performing, who are just living their lives.
It charges them with a felony!
It is blatantly unconstitutional.
Feb 23, 2023 · 5:52 PM UTC
This bill is an atrocity committed at all trans and gender nonconforming people as well as all drag artists.
It bans "male and female impersonators" from "providing entertainment that appeals to prurient interest."
Witnesses drew no distinction between drag and trans people.
Feb 23, 2023 · 5:53 PM UTC
A trans comedian getting on stage telling an off color joke could be "appealing to the prurient interest."
Trans comedians could be charged with a felony.
It gets worse though.
Feb 23, 2023 · 5:53 PM UTC
Transgender people and drag artists dancing in a pride parade could be considered criminal.
Cops could begin arresting people at pride events in Tennessee for being "male or female impersonators" dancing down the street as so many of us have seen and partaken in.
Feb 23, 2023 · 5:54 PM UTC
What even is "male or female impersonation?" It's unconstitutionally vague and goes undefined in the law.
Many people testified that transgender people are "prurient" by merely existing.
Drag queen story hours will no longer be rushed by proud boys, but cops.
Feb 23, 2023 · 5:55 PM UTC
This is an absolutely atrocious day. It must fall in court. Tennessee Republicans should be ashamed of passing it.
Contact the governor of Tennessee Bill Lee and demand he veto this terrible bill.
Feb 23, 2023 · 5:56 PM UTC
This bill brings us back to pre-Stonewall era in Tennessee in many ways.
Terrible.
Feb 23, 2023 · 6:02 PM UTC
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Feb 23, 2023 · 6:05 PM UTC