Senate Committee Passes Bill Prohibiting Drag Shows on Public Property and in View of Children

*Above: Family Council President Jerry Cox (right) testifies alongside Sen. Gary Stubblefield (left) in support of S.B. 43.*

On Thursday the Senate City, County, and Local Affairs Committee passed S.B. 43 by Sen. Gary Stubblefield (R – Branch) and Rep. Mary Bentley (R – Perryville).

S.B. 43 clarifies that drag shows are a form of adult performance under Arkansas law. It also says that adult performances — including drag performances — cannot take place on public property or where children can see them.

Over the past few years public schools, colleges, and libraries in Arkansas have scheduled drag performances — including performances intended for children. Some of these events have been canceled following public backlash.

At public libraries in particular there has been a push to let men dressed in hyper-sexualized, female costumes read books to children. In some parts of the country events like these have exposed children and families to sexual predators.

Drag shows should not take place on public property or anywhere near children. S.B. 43 would protect children from these performances.

S.B. 43 now goes to the entire Arkansas Senate for a vote.

You can read S.B. 43 here.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.