The Senate expanded the bill targeting drag queen story hours before two Democrats joined Republicans in advancing it. The upper chamber also gave preliminary approval to a bill limiting other drag performances kids can see.
Proposed legislation from Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, would criminalize explicit performances where children are present and strip libraries of state funding for hosting any event featuring performers in drag. Critics say the bill is discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Gov. Bill Lee (R-TN) signed a bill into law Thursday that criminalizes drag show performances in certain public places or anywhere they could be viewed by children.