LINCOLN- Legislative Bill 371, which was introduced last Thursday by Sen. Dave Murman, would block minors from attending drag shows if passed. On top of that, the bill also establishes fines of up to $10,000 for any businesses allowing under-aged persons to attend drag shows. In response to this, Jane Seu, legal and policy counsel for the ACLU of Nebraska, stated, "Let's call this what it is--an unconstitutional censorship rooted in a coordinated national effort to push LGBTQ+ people out of public life."

Sen. Murman's bill comes right after similar bills banning minors from attending drag shows were introduced in several states, including Missouri, Arizona, and Texas. Proponents of drag shows argue that they are harmless, fun entertainment, while critics say that they involve "perverted" and "hyper-sexualized" adults trying to sexualize young people.

Shortly after the bill was introduced, State Sen. Megan Hunt, the first openly LGBTQ candidate elected to the Nebraska Legislature, filed a motion to kill the bill. Alongside Sen. Hunt, the ACLU argued that LB371 would be a violation of free speech, claiming that "drag is a visual expression and creative celebration of LGBTQ+ culture."

For the full article click HERE