Arkansas Bill Aims to Classify Drag Shows as Adult-Oriented Businesses

When you hear “sexually-oriented business” or “adult-oriented business”, what do you picture? Do you think of that bookstore in the seedy part of town? A nightclub with lurid lights and a bright sign that says “Live Nude Girls”? The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum?

All of these guesses are correct. Drag shows? Drag shows should only be open to adults, according to most conservatives and perhaps a large number of people who don’t want their names published. The Arkansas legislature has now introduced a bill that would limit the age of attendees to drag shows.

Arkansas state senator Gary Stubblefield has sponsored Senate Bill 43 in a bicameral effort. The Arkansas code defines drag performance as “drag performance”. The bill specifically states:

An adult-oriented business is one that includes an adult arcade, adult bookstore, video store, adult cabaret, adult cabaret, adult entertainment establishments, adult motion picture theatres, adult theaters, adult theaters, adult massage establishments offering adult services, an agency or nude model studio, as well as a drag performance.

These events are also allowed to take place in certain areas. The bill also states that such businesses cannot be found on public property or where minors can view them. KARK TV had a copy of the bill. It defines drag performance as:

Drag performance is a performance.

(A) In which one (1) or more performers:

(i) Exhibits a gender identity that is different from the performer’s gender assigned at birth using clothing, makeup, or other accessories that are traditionally worn by members of and are meant to exaggerate the gender identity of the performer’s opposite sex; and

(ii) Sings, lip-synchs, dances, or otherwise performs before an audience of at least two (2) persons for entertainment, whether performed for payment or not; and

(B) That is intended to appeal to the prurient interest

Drag performances are not banned by the bill. Someone could host drag shows, brunches, or poker games. Adults who consent to these events will be allowed to attend and participate if they wish. The bill would prohibit minors from attending these events. These events are not sexually explicit, so drag queen story hours might be a different matter. The bill would ban children from bars and restaurants that allow men in thongs to shake their cash over empty mimosa glasses and third-graders’ heads.

Some will scream, rage, and tear their clothes. I’d like to ask these people: What is the benefit of sexualizing your children? Please name the benefits of taking your child along to an event where a mature, scantily-clad male is dancing around on a stage to sexually-charged songs while your child pays them dollars. You would take your child to a strip club to see exotic dancers. You probably wouldn’t. But you will take your child with you to see men doing the exact same thing. Please list the benefits that your child will receive. You can’t. You can’t. However, you get to feel confident, innovative, cutting-edge, and sexually intelligent. You get bragging rights. You are the only one who benefits. I have seen both men and women go to prison for giving children adult material and engaging in sexual activity. Ask yourself why it is so important to bring your children to these events.

The City, County & Local Affairs Committee has been referred to this bill.