Overview:
Rep. Justin Jones calls bill "fear-mongering."
The bill that could potentially classify establishments hosting drag shows as “adult-oriented” passed the Tennessee House of Representatives.
On Tuesday, lawmakers passed HB0884, which sought to classify establishments offering “sexually oriented material, devices, or paraphernalia, adult cabaret entertainment, or specified sexual activities” as “adult-oriented establishments.”
“The proposed legislation expands the definition of adult cabaret to mean a cabaret that features topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators, or similar entertainers and includes a single performance or multiple performances by an entertainer,” an amendment to the bill said.
The General Assembly said this change of definition aligns with Tennessee’s legal definition of “adult-oriented entertainment.” The bill also said the adult cabaret distinction applies whether the establishment hosts singular or multiple performances.
Rep. Sam McKenzie (D-Knoxville) noted that the language of the bill removed the word “predominantly” from the legislation, regarding the primary “stock or trade” of the business. He noted that businesses such as Victoria’s Secret and Target could be assumed as “adult-oriented” under these provisions.
“I don’t think that’s what you all or other makers of the bill want to do,” McKenzie said.” I think that opens up the scope of what an adult-oriented business [is] way beyond what was intended.”
Chairman Chris Todd (R-Madison County) said this was not the intention, and that a single performance must be in compliance with requirements of adult-oriented establishments. These include not being within 1,000 feet of a church, school, child care facility, and more.
While the amendment assumed that the passage would not “significantly impact” the number of businesses that would be classified as such, some lawmakers argued differently.
Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville) argued that this was not a pressing issue for Tennesseans, and that on the topic of obscenity and pornography, residents voiced more concern over the release of the Epstein files. He said he believed this bill was a veneer for the fact that many lawmakers opted to fund businesses as opposed to those struggling in the state.
“I hope that the people in your district [Todd] see what the priority is for you,” Jones said. “Not to make their lives better but to go after something that is a nonexistent threat.”
Jones asked if Todd considered how many people in his district would be impacted by the bill and if their lives would be enhanced by its passage.
Todd said he had overwhelming support in his district and expected to see the same response from the House.
“We should be transparent about protecting our children, but this bill does nothing to protect young people[or]Tennesseans,” Jones said. “This bill is about fear-mongering and hate and it’s something that is a made-up issue that we’re being brought here and forced to treat like real legislation on day-one when this belongs in the trash.”
The bill was passed with 73 ayes and 24 nays.