By PAUL HAMMEL
Nebraska Examiner
LINCOLN — A bill introduced Thursday in the Nebraska Legislature to block minors from attending “drag” shows was condemned as part of the culture war against the LGBTQ+ community.
“Let’s call this what it is — an unconstitutional censorship attempt rooted in a coordinated national effort to push LGBTQ+ people out of public life,” said Jane Seu, the legal and policy counsel for the ACLU of Nebraska.
Legislative Bill 371, introduced by State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil and eight other senators, would bar persons under 19 years of age from attending a drag show and block those under 21 from attending such shows where alcohol is served.
The bill also establishes fines of up to $10,000 for establishments that allow under-aged persons to attend a drag show and makes it a misdemeanor crime, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, for an adult to allow a minor to attend.
The Nebraska proposal comes after similar bills banning minors from attending drag shows have been introduced in several states, including Missouri, Arizona and Texas.
Drag shows feature performers singing or dancing in elaborate costumes and makeup impersonating men or women.
While proponents maintain that it is harmless, fun entertainment, critics say such shows are inappropriate for minors, involving “perverted” and “hyper-sexualized” adults trying to sexualize young people.
Controversy and protests have spread across the county, with several shows featuring “drag queens” cancelled in recent months.
A shooting at a drag show at a Colorado Springs lounge in November left five dead and 17 wounded. One story time in California featuring drag performers was disrupted by the far-right Proud Boys group in July.
Shortly after LB 371 was introduced, Omaha Sen. Megan Hunt, the first openly LGBTQ candidate elected to the State Legislature, filed a motion to kill the bill.
The ACLU of Nebraska, in a press release, said LB 371 would be a violation of free speech.
“Drag is a visual expression and creative celebration of LGBTQ+ culture,” Seu said. “It has been a part of the creative community for centuries and this bill would have far-reaching implications on the historical tradition of artistic freedom.”