TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Feb 28, 2023

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said Monday he intends to sign an anti-drag show bill into law when it reaches his desk, the first time he has publicly taken a position on the legislation. The Tennessean reports that the legislation (SB 03/HB 09) bans “adult-oriented entertainment” that is “harmful to minors” from public property and places where it might be seen by children. The law specifically mentions “go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers” and “male or female impersonators” — the latter of which includes drag performers. Opponents have argued that laws are already in place to prevent public obscenity and that the bill's broad language will have a chilling effect on artistic performance and depictions of gender nonconformity.