House Republicans passed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. It only needs one signature from the governor to become the first state to criminalize drag shows.
The Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill banning minors from attending drag shows. It further forbids "adult-oriented businesses" from working within 1,000 feet of public property, including churches, schools, and parks.
A Reddit poster wanted to know how the people of Tennessee and the US feel about this. In the thread titled, "what's your take on Tennessee making drag shows a felony?" most Reddit users had interesting takes.
One of the most upvoted comments read, "As a Tennessean, I wonder why we aren't dealing with more important issues, like the opioid crisis, the shortage of teachers, old bridges and beat up roads, gang violence, food insecurity, etc."
Another replied, "They aren't working on the real problems because they are hard, would eat into corporate profits, and cost a lot of money." They added, "it looks like they are doing something without actually doing anything."
More Reddit users explained how "Banning drag will anger and divide." Another wrote that the list of actual issues is long, but they also wanted to add another item, US Rep. John Rose.
Most people found it ridiculous, with one saying, "Who defines drag? Who polices it? Can women still wear pants?"
Another chimed in, "Beyond the ethical discussion, it's just a massive waste of time and effort."
Then there is this burning problem, "The KKK is permitted to meet in Tennessee." Someone replied they, too, wear dresses.
Instead of being outraged, people claim, "It's good old fashioned, homespun, Christian hate and bigotry. It's as simple as that."
The conversation continued, "Next, I'd like to see a COMPLETE list of all clothes that are deemed 'Men's and 'Women's."
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Many claimed this is setting the US back to the dark ages, with a person saying, "once people stop buying the "drag queens and transgender people are the new monsters under your bed" schtick, who is next up on the chopping block."
Some comments were reasonable, "Don't they have better things to worry about?" while others were quite amusing, "Including Shakespeare?"
This person entertained, "You can't show your ankles either. Go back to hoop skirts and corsets." While another Reddit user asked, "How is this not a first amendment violation?"
As one person concluded, "This is silly. 'Land of the free' unless you feel like wearing a skirt."
Terrible news.
— Erin Reed (@ErinInTheMorn) February 23, 2023
The first drag ban has passed in Tennessee, and goes to the governors desk.
It could easily ban pride. It bans public drag. It bans transgender people performing, who are just living their lives.
It charges them with a felony!
It is blatantly unconstitutional. pic.twitter.com/oB82pIclet
Clearly, people on Reddit stated their opinions, and they are not giving the House of Republicans any political points. What is your take on this? Is this breaching of the 1st amendment, or do you believe this is just the beginning?
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