Texas libraries allowing drag queens to conduct reading lessons to children could face funding prohibitions from the state following new bills that have been tabled.
Public libraries that permit drag queens to conduct reading sessions for children may face the risk of withdrawing their financial support under Governor Abbott's administration as part of the recently approved legislation restricting such events.
The Texas Senate has recently approved legislation aimed at prohibiting drag performances for children, including events such as drag story hour.
In fact, the Texas Senate passed a pair of bills targeting drag performances attended or viewed by minors:
- Senate Bill 1601 seeks to withdraw funding from public libraries that permit drag queens to read to youngsters.
- While Senate Bill 12 prohibits children from attending drag shows featuring excessively indecent and provocative performances.
Numerous Democrats, drag artists, and businesses serving the LGBTQ community in Texas have vehemently opposed the notion that drag performances are intrinsically sexual in nature.
These groups have also asserted that specific legislative proposals infringe on the First Amendment's protection of free expression, as they've voiced their opposition during legislative hearings and held rallies at the Texas Capitol.
Nonetheless, Texas Senators have maintained that their bills focusing on drag shows are intended to shield minors from performances containing explicit sexual content.
Critics of the legislation argue that these Republican initiatives contribute to a growing backlash against drag artists.
As a result, drag performers are experiencing a rise in protests and targeted threats orchestrated by activists and radical factions.
The bills are now set to be reviewed by the Texas House, where they will undergo debate within a committee.
Given the Republican majority in the House, the legislation is anticipated to pass and subsequently be signed into law by Texas Governor Abbott.
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