International

Texas Legislature Passes Bill Prohibiting Public Performances Involving Sexual Conduct

The well-known state of USA, the Texas legislature recently passed a bill that prohibits sexual conduct in public performances in the state, a move that was initially spurred by fears surrounding children watching drag shows.

Senate Bill (SB) 12 focuses on banning “sexually oriented performances” in public when it is reasonable that a child could view the acts or when anyone under the age of 18 is present.

Actual or simulated sex acts, showing genitals in a “lewd state,” and the use of accessories to exaggerate sexual features are all prohibited in these public performances.

A previous version of the bill defined drag shows as sexually-oriented acts, which drew criticism from state house Democrats who claimed it targeted LGBTQ individuals.

Potential violators face a Class A misdemeanour charge, which carries a penalty of up to one year in jail or a $4,000 fine. The bill also contains a civil penalty of $10,000 for each violation.

Bryan Hughes, a Texas State Senator and the author of the bill, stated, “Our bill protecting children from sexually explicit drag shows is officially headed to the Governor’s desk.”

The bill was passed by both the Texas House and Senate on the same day. The bill was passed by a vote of 87 to 54 in the House. Texas Governor Greg Abbott will now decide whether to sign the bill into law.

Drag performers in Utah recently sued one of the cities for infringing on their freedom of speech after being denied a permit for an all-ages drag show in a public park.

Isha Das

Recent Posts

Centre Opposes Ex-Judges Panel To Monitor Stubble Burning In SC

The Centre on Friday opposed a proposal in the Supreme Court to form a committee…

6 hours ago

“It’s A Celebration For Us”: Delhi HC Bar Association Felicitates CJI Sanjiv Khanna

The Delhi High Court Bar Association on Friday honored Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv…

6 hours ago

International Criminal Court Issues Arrest Warrant For Israeli PM Netanyahu

The International Criminal Court has recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,…

7 hours ago

Cal HC Stays Demolition Of Illegal Constructions In WB’s Mandarmoni

The Calcutta High Court on Friday granted an interim stay on the demolition of alleged…

7 hours ago

SC To Pass Order On Pleas To Efface Words ‘Secular’, ‘Socialist’ From Preamble

The Supreme Court on Friday announced that it would deliver its order on November 25…

8 hours ago

Air Pollution: SC Questions Delhi Govt On Truck Entry Amid GRAP-4 Restrictions

The Supreme Court raised concerns on Friday about the "drastic" consequences of the GRAP Stage…

8 hours ago