OKLAHOMA CITY – A state senator has asked for a legal opinion about whether drag shows violate a recently enacted state law on obscenity.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, asked Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond for an official opinion, which could be legally binding.
House Bill 1217 prohibits individuals from performing sexually explicit or obscene acts in public places or areas where minors are present. It also bans political subdivisions from authorizing the performances on public property.
The measure became law last month.
“The Legislature has made it abundantly clear that sexually explicit performances have no place in public spaces, especially in front of children,” Daniels said. “Unfortunately, drag shows continue to spark controversy in Bartlesville and across the state, underscoring the need for further legal guidance.”
Daniels asked Drummond if drag performances were obscene or if certain actions were necessary.
She also asked if a performance by a person dressed in drag is protected speech under the First Amendment.
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