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Drag Performance Laws by State 2024
The legality and regulation of drag performances vary significantly across states in the United States, with some states implementing laws to restrict or prohibit drag shows in certain settings. While drag performance has a long history dating back to the early 20th century, it has gained mainstream popularity in recent decades, particularly with the rise of drag culture in mainstream media and entertainment.
As of 2023, several states have introduced legislation to regulate or restrict drag shows, particularly concerning performances in public spaces or in the presence of minors. For example, some states have laws prohibiting drag shows from being performed on public property around minors, while others have sought to criminalize organizing or authorizing drag performances in certain settings. Additionally, there have been efforts to restrict the viewing of drag performances by minors or to limit the venues where such performances can take place.
Legislation banning (or protecting) drag shows is moving quickly as of 2023. Readers are encouraged to consult with local authorities to confirm the most up-to-date regulations in their local area.
State | Bill Proposed | Bill Status | Content of Bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No | ||
| Alaska | No | ||
| Arizona | Yes | Advancing | Drag artists who perform in front of children under 15 years old would be subject to at least ten years in prison and forced to register as sex offenders |
| Arkansas | Yes | Signed into Law | Prohibits drag shows from being performed on public property around minors |
| California | No | ||
| Colorado | No | ||
| Connecticut | No | ||
| Delaware | No | ||
| Florida | No | ||
| Georgia | No | ||
| Hawaii | No | ||
| Idaho | Yes | Advancing | Prohibits drag shows from being performed on public property around minors |
| Illinois | No | ||
| Indiana | No | ||
| Iowa | Yes | Defeated | Prohibits minors being present at drag shows |
| Kansas | Yes | Advancing | The bills would expand the “crime of promoting obscenity” to include performing drag shows in front of minors, and prohib it those shows in public area |
| Kentucky | Yes | Advancing | Prohibits drag shows from being performed on public property around minors |
| Louisiana | No | ||
| Maine | No | ||
| Maryland | No | ||
| Massachusetts | No | ||
| Michigan | No | ||
| Minnesota | Yes | Advancing | Prohibits drag performances in publicly funded libraries or schools |
| Mississippi | No | ||
| Missouri | Yes | Advancing | Criminalizes organizing, authorizing the viewing of, or engaging with an adult cabaret performance (which includes drag shows) on public property |
| Montana | Yes | Advancing | Prohibit minors from attending drag performances, |
| Nebraska | Yes | Advancing | Prohibits anyone under the age of 19 (or under 21 if alcohol is served) from attending a drag show |
| Nevada | No | ||
| New Hampshire | No | ||
| New Jersey | No | ||
| New Mexico | No | ||
| New York | No | ||
| North Carolina | Yes | Advancing | Prohibits adult cabaret on public property and other places where it could be viewed by minors |
| North Dakota | Yes | Advancing | Prohibits adult cabaret on public property and other places where it could be viewed by minors |
| Ohio | No | ||
| Oklahoma | Yes | Advancing | The bill would make it illegal for a person to "engage" or "authorize the viewing of" an "adult cabaret performance" on public property or where a minor could view the show |
| Oregon | No | ||
| Pennsylvania | No | ||
| Rhode Island | No | ||
| South Carolina | Yes | Advancing | Prohibits adult cabaret on public property and other places where it could be viewed by minors |
| South Dakota | Yes | Advancing | Prohibits "lewd or lascivious" content from the state’s public schools, colleges and universities. |
| Tennessee | Yes | Signed into Law | Restricts "adult cabaret performances" in public or in the presence of children, and bans them from occurring within 1,000 feet of schools, public parks, or places of worship |
| Texas | Yes | Advancing | The bill would restrict when sexuality and gender identity are taught in schools, where people can perform in drag, and what kind of health care is available to transgender children. |
| Utah | No | ||
| Vermont | No | ||
| Virginia | No | ||
| Washington | No | ||
| West Virginia | Yes | Advancing | Prohibits adult cabaret on public property and other places where it could be viewed by minors |
| Wisconsin | No | ||
| Wyoming | No |