Tenn. House votes to ban public drag, cabaret shows

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Tennessee’s House of Representatives met on Thursday morning and passed a bill that makes it a criminal offense for anyone who engages in an adult cabaret performance on public property, specifically in view of minors.

The State House passed HB0009 by a vote of 74-19 on Thursday morning. State senators passed the Senate version of the bill, SB0003, on February 9, by a 26-6 vote.

HB0009/SB0003 specifically focuses on public performances that feature “topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to prurient interest.”

The first offense would be a Class A misdemeanor, with all subsequent violations treated as a Class E felony.

The bill will now go back to the Senate for another vote due to an amendment that was added.

The House Criminal Justice Committee recommended the bill for approval on Feb.14 and it was discussed by the Calendar and Rules Committee on Feb.16.

If signed, as expected by Governor Bill Lee, the bill would take effect on April 1.

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