TN House passes bill restricting drag performances

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee House of Representatives kicked off the 114th General Assembly Tuesday with a floor session in which only a single bill was considered. HB0884 proposes expanding the state's regulations of "adult-oriented establishments" to single performances containing drag, topless dancers and "similar entertainers." Current laws restrict certain businesses from being within 1,000 feet of a school, childcare facility, residence, recreational center, place of worship or public park; Other restrictions restrict the establishment's business hours. The bill would subject all adult-oriented performances — not just establishments — to the same standards. The bill passed through the House along party lines, with 73 votes in support and 24 votes against. It still needs to pass in the Senate before it is signed into law. Northeast Tennessee's state representatives voted in unanimous support of the bill, and state Rep. Renea Jones, R-Unicoi, cosponsored the bill along with 20 other legislators. "I just felt like it was important to protect our children, and in our conservative rural communities, they feel like it's important," said Jones. "In rural areas like my district, we have a lot of churches. And so, we have a lot of areas where we want to protect those communities." On four separate occasions, members of the public shouted at House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, voicing opposition to the bill as it was being considered on the House floor. They were escorted out by state troopers shortly afterwards. Opponents voiced concerns that the bill would result in innocuous locations such as Target and Walmart being labeled by the state as "adult oriented establishments" under the new definition. The bill's sponsor, state Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison, said that would not be the effect of the bill. "We have children going hungry, we have schools underfunded — this is the number one bill on day one?" questioned state Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville. During the welcoming and honors portion of the House floor session, a few representatives took the chance to inject political statements into the moment typically reserved for nonpartisan recognitions, moments of silence and prayer requests. "I just want to take a moment to recognize Renee Nicole Good, who, a few days ago was murdered by an ICE agent," said Jones. "Unfortunately, unless this government acts, she will not be the last… we must abolish ICE, now and forever." Later, state Rep. Susan Lynn, R-Mount Juliet, made a contradictory request. "Members, I would like if we can stand and pray for the safety of our ICE officers and our national guard, who are very brave, they're doing very important work protecting the people of our nation," she said. "And I'd like to acknowledge them for that."