AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Senate on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to two bills that would restrict, and at times criminalize, drag shows and anything else deemed a “sexually oriented performance.”
Both bills were expanded broadly during debate, which was punctuated by contention and raucous reaction from members of the public gathered in the Senate gallery. Each bill needs one more vote of approval in the Senate before they head to the House for more debate.
Senate Bill 12 by Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, would criminalize performances that occur or could occur in front of a minor if they appeal to the “prurient interest in sex” or meet several other definitions for “sexual conduct,” including real or “simulated” touching of the buttocks, breasts or genitals, real or simulated sex acts or the “exhibition” of sex toys.
