Ohio House passes bill criminalizing drag shows and targeting trans community
Share
Ohio lawmakers passed House Bill (HB) 249 on Wednesday before members of the House Judiciary Committee.
The bill, “The Enact the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act,” would ban drag and gender performances outside of “adult cabaret” venues or in any public venue where a minor may be present.
Even more, it would criminalize gender nonconformity in public places, targeting transgender individuals as well as events where a child may be present like Pride parades.
Per the legislation this cover ““performers or entertainers who exhibit a gender identity that is different from the performer’s or entertainer’s biological sex using clothing, makeup, prosthetic or imitation genitals or breasts, or other physical markers …”
Those committing "obscene” acts in front of a minor under 13, could be imprisoned for 18 months on a felony charge.
Those supporting the bill say its passing would support child protection while in public. Those against the legislation claim it would disproportionately restrict LGBTQ+ performers and situations involving gendered public facilities like locker rooms or restrooms.
Critics have largely called out bill cosponsor state Rep, Rodney Creech (R-West Alexandria) for portraying drag queens and transgender people as predators after his own alleged behavior.
In 2023 Creech was accused of climbing into bed and under the covers with a minor female relative while erect and wearing only his underwear, according to the Statehouse News Bureau.
Further text messages showed the minor complaining that Creech had been rubbing her legs and grabbing her waist, according to a report from NBC4, driving her “to tears”.
While Creech admitted getting into bed with the minor in his underwear, he denied the sexual nature of the allegations.
Similarly, Texas began enforcing its own Senate Bill 12 restricting "sexually oriented performances" on public property or in front of minors on March 18 after the US Court of Appeals denied rehearing The Woodlands Pride v. Paxton.
Performers or businesses violating the bill face fines up to $10,000 and or a Class A misdemeanor.
Popular queen Nina West is vocal about fighting the newly proposed Ohio bill. “🚨Call your reps🚨” West asked her followers, and “Voice your opposition to HB 249!”
“This community’s never going away,” she assured Republicans and more sympathetic listeners in her testimony on Friday. “We will fight this, and we will overcome. Love always overcomes hate.”
Drag up your life with a beautifully curated box made by your favorite drag queens! Subscribe to Drag Society today!