Arkansas drag show bill

LGBTQ+ advocates argue a new Arkansas bill on drag shows could unconstitutionally affect transgender individuals in their own homes …

Transcript

00:00Some Arkansas Republicans want drag shows to be classified as adult-oriented businesses,

00:05the same designation given to strip clubs and adult theaters in the state.

00:08If passed, the bill would not allow drag shows to take place on public property

00:12or within 1,000 feet of churches, schools, parks, and libraries.

00:16The bill's creator said the legislation would protect children

00:19and wondered if God would approve of drag queens.

00:22The new measure, which was approved earlier this week in the Arkansas Senate,

00:25is now headed to the state house for consideration.

00:28According to the bill, drag shows are defined as someone singing, lip-syncing,

00:31dancing, or performing before an audience of at least two people

00:35while exhibiting a gender identity different from their gender at birth.

00:38Critics of the new measure say the proposed legislation is so broadly worded that it

00:42could apply to transgender individuals both in public as well as their own private homes.

00:47A Democratic lawmaker said the proposed bill is unconstitutional and unfairly

00:51targets the LGBTQ plus community given that restaurants like Hooters and Twin

00:55Peaks are not classified as adult businesses.