Kansas Senate Bill SB149

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/23
• Refer: 2/3/23
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Expanding the crime of promoting obscenity to minors to include drag performances.

Impact

If enacted, SB149 will align the legal framework with contemporary societal concerns regarding the types of performances accessible to minors. By categorizing drag performances as potentially obscene when presented to a juvenile audience, the bill could lead to increased scrutiny of such events and a greater likelihood of legal repercussions for promoters and performers. The classification creates a new layer of regulation that may affect venues, educational institutions, and cultural organizations that host performances, potentially limiting the availability of these artistic expressions in public spaces.

Summary

Senate Bill 149 is a legislative proposal from the State of Kansas that aims to expand the definition of promoting obscenity to minors, explicitly including drag performances within this category. The bill amends existing statutes concerning crimes, punishment, and criminal procedure, redefining the scope of what constitutes obscene material and how it is presented to individuals under 18 years of age. The intent behind the bill is to provide greater protections for minors from exposure to what is deemed as inappropriate or harmful content, particularly in the context of performances that may include controversial elements such as drag shows.

Contention

The bill has generated significant debate, with advocates arguing that it serves as a necessary measure to safeguard minors from exposure to obscenity, while opponents have raised concerns about its implications for artistic freedom and expression. Critics argue that defining drag performances as obscene when presented to minors could lead to discrimination against LGBTQIA+ events and undermine their cultural significance. The balance between protecting youth and safeguarding artistic expression remains a point of contention, prompting discussions around the potential chilling effect this legislation could have on creative industries.