By Rev. Mark Creech
Christian Action League
April 20, 2023
Drag queen performances would be deemed “adult live entertainment” and no longer allowed in public places in North Carolina if House Bill 673 – Clarify Regulations on Adult Entertainment is approved by lawmakers. The goal of the one-page bill is to prevent such performances in the presence of children.
“It’s sad to believe such a measure is necessary, but when these types of gender-bending shows start popping up in libraries and other places frequented by families, it only makes sense that our legislators take action,” said the Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League. “If adults want to spend their time and money on such sick displays, that’s up to them, but children should not be subjected to it. These people are not like clowns in front of children attempting to make them laugh, they are instead sexualizing these children – exposing them to adult themes which make many adults blush.”
Filed Tuesday, the bill targets “male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest,” putting drag queens in the same category with exotic dancers and strippers.
According to the proposed legislation, anyone caught engaging in adult live entertainment on public property or in the presence of an individual under the age 18 could be charged with a Class A1 misdemeanor. Subsequent violations would be Class I felonies.
Laura Macklem with the NC Values Coalition spoke to the media in opposition of the bill. “We need to ask ourselves, ‘why is it so important for grown men to dress in erotic clothing and dance for children?’ There are laws in North Carolina already banning children from places like strip clubs. Because we are seeing drag shows which include lap dances for children, the General Assembly needs to respond by passing this legislation,” she said.
Primary sponsors of the bill, all Republicans, include representatives Jeff Zenger and Donny Lambeth (both Forsyth), Mark Pless (Haywood) and Donnie Loftis (Gaston).
The bill has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary 2. If it wins a favorable recommendation there, it will move to the Committee on Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House.
