CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A bill introduced in the West Virginia State Senate this week would prohibit state funding of drag shows as well as prohibit minors from attending them.
Senate Bill 103, if passed, would amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated ยง61-8D-4b, relating to defining “drag shows”; prohibiting funding from governmental entities for drag shows; prohibiting minors from being involved in or attending drag shows; and providing for penalties associated with violations of these provisions.
The bill was introduced on the Senate floor on Wednesday and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and then to the Committee on Finance.
The bill’s lead sponsor is Republican Senator Eric Tarr of Putnam County.
According to the current language of the bill, all minors in West Virginia would be prohibited from being involved in drag shows for any reason if passed. It would be the responsibility of the organization or group holding the drag show to verify the age of all attendees.
The bill further states that adults or parental guardians found in violation of the law will have to attend parenting classes, substance abuse counseling, anger management counseling, or other appropriate services, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Children and Families through its services assessment evaluation, which shall be submitted to the court of conviction upon written request.
As of January 14, 2023, the bill is still pending in Senate Judiciary.