Modifies provisions relating to sexually oriented businesses
If enacted, SB1187 is expected to tighten regulations around sexually oriented businesses by establishing clear definitions and frameworks that could affect how such venues operate. Specifically, it addresses the display of nudity and other sexually explicit conduct, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of adult establishments. The law is designed to protect minors and mitigate adverse effects that these businesses are perceived to have on public safety and community standards, including issues related to juvenile delinquency and property values.
Senate Bill 1187 seeks to modify existing provisions relating to sexually oriented businesses in Missouri. This legislation aims to define various terms associated with adult entertainment such as 'adult cabaret,' 'drag performance,' and 'sexually oriented business.' Notably, it emphasizes 'biological sex' as determined by one's chromosomes and birth certificate, thereby linking these definitions to the regulation of performances that may possess a sexual nature. The bill also aims to repeal sections of the current state statutes that govern these matters, suggesting a significant alteration in how sexually oriented businesses are treated under state law.
This bill is likely to spark debate among legislators and community members regarding personal freedoms versus public morality. Supporters argue that it is essential to safeguard minors from exposure to adult content and maintain public decency, while opponents may see it as an infringement on individual rights and artistic expression, particularly regarding drag performances. The bill's language emphasizing biological sex may also raise concerns among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who might argue that such definitions undermine transgender rights and inclusivity in public spaces.