(LifeSiteNews) — The governor of Arkansas has signed a bill to prohibit minors from attending drag shows and other events classified as an “adult-oriented performance.”
On Friday, Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders enacted legislation which classifies drag shows as inappropriate for children, effectively barring them from attendance at highly sexualized events.
SB 43 defines an “adult-oriented performance” as “a performance that is intended to appeal to the prurient interest and that features a person who appears in a state of nudity or is seminude; the purposeful exposure, whether complete or partial, of a specific anatomical area, prosthetic genitalia or breasts, or a specific sexual activity.”
The new law prohibits these performances, including drag shows, from “tak[ing] place on public property” and “admit[ting] any minor for attendance.” They are also not permitted to “be funded in whole or in part with public funds.”
Drag shows were added to a classification of “adult-oriented performance” which also includes bookstores, cabarets, live entertainment venues, theaters, escort agencies, and nude model studios designated for adults.
The bill was originally passed by the state Senate on January 24, despite opposition from all six Democrat lawmakers voting on the motion. Following passage in this chamber, the bill was also approved by the Republican-led House and then signed by the governor.
As exposing children to sexually explicit entertainment in the form of cross-dressing men singing and dancing provocatively has become more common, conservative leaders have introduced and passed legislation to protect minors from such exposure.
READ: Parental backlash against drag shows for children is growing—and bringing legislation
In June 2022, footage of minors at a gay bar in Dallas went viral on social media, leading a Republican congressman to introduce a bill which would ban children from attending drag shows and “inappropriate displays” in Texas. Shortly after, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his consideration of implementing similar laws, prompted by public backlash of drag events geared towards children.
RELATED: DeSantis revokes Orlando venue’s liquor license for hosting obscene drag show with children present
Earlier this month, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey called for a ban on drag shows as part of school curriculum. The demand came after a group of kids were brought to a drag event as part of a school-sponsored celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.
RELATED: Superintendent defends middle school field trip to drag queen show by citing Martin Luther King Jr.
In Tennessee, the Republican-led House passed a measure to ban drag shows for children and create a 1,000-foot buffer zone between schools, public parks, or places of worship and “adult-oriented businesses.” Gov. Bill Lee is expected to sign the bill into law alongside another piece of legislation designed to ban mutilating surgeries and drugs for gender confused minors.