Two Drag Bans Introduced on Second Day of Legislative Session
Even though it's just the second day of the session, nine bills that oppose LGBTQ+ rights have already been introduced, with a heavy focus on the trans community in West Virginia. Although things were calm in the House, Senators Tarr and Azinger put forth SB 224 and SB 237.
Senator Tarr’s SB 224, a bill carried over from the 2023 legislative session, seeks to effectively prohibit drag performances. Additionally, it proposes classifying bringing children to such performances as child abuse, subject to criminal penalties and fines. This measure could have significant repercussions for Pride organizations and small businesses that organize drag events.
Drag is a historical art form that has been around for centuries and holds significant importance in LGBTQ culture and history. Although laws limiting how people can dress based on gender have existed since at least the 1800s, the year 2023 witnessed a renewed push to restrict freedom of speech and expression, particularly targeting drag performances. These assaults are just one aspect of a larger, organized campaign aimed at undermining gender expression, trans folks, and the broader LGBTQ+ community.
SB 237, introduced by Senator Azinger aims to “make it a criminal offense for a person to engage in an adult cabaret performance where it may be viewed by a minor”. If passed, this bill could lead to individuals in the trans community being fined and jailed, as well as face potential felony charges, for performing. Some worry, too, that the bill's wording might label transgender individuals, who dress according to their gender, as, "male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to the prurient interest".
Sure, these bills might face challenges in passing if they make it past committee, and if they do pass, they could be deemed unconstitutional. The concern lies in the significant number of Republican lawmakers in West Virginia who are sponsoring, introducing, and endorsing such bills, along with others of a similar nature.
As a reminder, these bills have only been introduced and not taken up for consideration at this time. However, West Virginia is racing backwards with the introduction of bills that seek to prohibit gender affirming medical care and attempts to enact bans that could compel transgender and gender nonconforming individuals to conceal their identities. It is crucial for LGBTQ+ allies throughout our state to unite with our community, standing together in resistance against these harmful pieces of legislation.
To stay informed about these bills and ways to get involved, I recommend subscribing to my Substack, following me on social media, and keeping an eye on the 2024 bill tracker. Thank you, as always, for supporting my efforts! As always, thank you for supporting my work!