A bill for an act relating to minors present at drag shows, and providing penalties.
The bill imposes strict penalties, including fines of $10,000 per minor for establishments that allow them to attend or view drag shows. Owners or managers who knowingly permit this face more severe consequences, including being charged with a serious misdemeanor that could lead to a year of confinement. There are also provisions allowing parents or guardians to initiate civil actions for damages ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for each violation, thus enabling potential financial consequences for violations that impact minors.
Senate File 348 (SF348) is legislation concerning the presence of minors at drag shows, which are defined by the bill as performances where individuals exhibit gender identities different from their assigned sex at birth. The bill prohibits minors from being present at or viewing such shows in places of business. If an individual over 18 brings a minor to a drag show, they can be charged with a simple misdemeanor. Additionally, businesses permitting minors to attend these performances may face substantial fines per violation.
The legislation is expected to be a contentious topic, potentially igniting debate over issues of censorship, parental rights, and LGBTQ+ representation in the public sphere. Advocates may argue that banning minors from such performances violates individual freedoms and expressions of identity, while proponents of the bill may assert that it protects children from exposure to adult themes. The inclusion of civil action provisions additionally raises concerns about the implications of lawsuits filed by parents, potentially leading to debates on liability and state involvement in personal judgments regarding entertainment choices.