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.
On Tuesday Rep. Mary Bentley (R – Perryville) and Sen. Dan Sullivan (R – Jonesboro) filed H.B. 1156 addressing privacy in public school locker rooms, showers, restrooms, changing areas, and similar facilities.
The bill requires public schools to designate these facilities for “male” or “female” use.
That is why Family Council has said for years that Arkansas needs to pass legislation that will protect the privacy and safety of children in public school showers, locker rooms, and restrooms.