MACT
Since 2023, a large minority of states introduced legislation to restrict drag performances, responding to the perceived need to “protect children” from situations where they might come into contact with a person dressed in drag. The most common instances, which a majority of the legislation sought to regulate, are events that take place in libraries and schools. These are commonly known as Drag Story Hour. This movement though is not limited to drag performances, but has expanded to trying to regulate which books children may read, what subjects they can learn in schools and a variety of topics around LGBTQ+ people.
Over the past three years, the number of bills that have been introduced have dwindled, but have not completely stopped.
2025 Legislation
Currently, there have been ten bills that have been introduced on this topic with only one moving beyond the introduction phase meaning. Thus, only one bill, in Oklahoma, has had a committee hearing scheduled. We will keep an eye on these bills and work with the state arts advocacy organization to prevent these bills from becoming law.
The following states currently have pending bills.
South Carolina – H3381 which deems any drag show venue as a “sexually oriented business.” This is a backwards way of preventing library story hour.
Tennessee – HB0884 which states that community or municipal centers are deemed as an “adult oriented establishment” and specifically adds “adult cabaret entertainment” to their definition list. Again, this is about story hours.
Tennessee – SB1424 which defines “adult oriented businesses” to include “adult cabaret entertainment.”
Alabama – HB67 which uses “parental rights” to prohibit any school or library drag story hour. It also combines another provision which states that during overnight school trips, that people of opposite sex may not room together or share a common bathroom.
Oklahoma – SB550 which is about preventing drag story hour. This bill has monetary fines as part of the punishment.
Minnesota – SF716 which defines all drag shows as adult performances.
Missouri – HB722 & SB295 which are companion bills that deems any drag show venue as a “sexually oriented business.”
Texas – HB938 which prevents drag performances in the presence of a minor.
Texas – HB1075 which allows minors to sue if the minor considers the drag performance “inappropriate.” This is new version of anti-drag legislation which allows people to sue.
You will notice that there are several bills which refer to “adult caberat.” In context, these bills should not refer to drag story hours, but there is the concern that opponents will try to characterize any drag performance as “adult.”