LINCOLN- A myriad of drag queens and local LGBTQ advocates crowded into the Nebraska Capitol last Friday before a legislative hearing on Sen. Murman's LB371 was set to occur. The bill, which would prohibit minors under the age of 19 from attending drag shows, drew intense scrutiny from drag supporters who argue that the performances are joyful forms of entertainment.

Under the bill, drag is defined as when a performer entertains while displaying a gender identity different from their sex assigned at birth. An amendment that was recently added to the bill would also classify drag shows as adult entertainment. If passed, anyone who is found to have brought a child to a drag show, including parents, would be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor.

"I have nothing against anyone dressing in drag or participating in drag shows, and I love everyone," Murman told his colleagues during a Judiciary Committee hearing, "But this is about making sure kids are not at drag shows and are not introduced to overly sexual and inappropriate behavior far too early." Sen. Carol Blood, a Judiciary Committee member, expressed concern over the bill, saying that it would also apply to performances of Shakespeare.

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