Proposed legislation introduces escalating penalties, with repeat offenses becoming felonies
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A bill introduced in the Kentucky House would make certain public drag performances illegal and establish criminal penalties for violations.
House Bill 360 would ban adult performances described as sexually explicit when they involve male or female impersonators in public spaces. The legislation outlines escalating penalties, making a first violation a Class B misdemeanor, a second violation a Class A misdemeanor, and a third or subsequent violation a Class D felony.
The bill was introduced by Republican Rep. Scott Sharp, who represents parts of Boyd and Lawrence counties in Eastern Kentucky. Eight lawmakers are listed as sponsors, including Republican Reps. John Hodgson of Jefferson County, Josh Calloway of Breckinridge and Hardin counties, and Nancy Tate of Hardin and Meade counties.
Ebony Cross with the Louisville Pride Foundation said they do not support the bill.
“I knew it was coming,” Cross said. “It happens every year. So it’s not the first time this has happened. It’s just another way to silence a part of our community again, and we just won’t be bullied.”
Similar measures passed the Kentucky Senate in 2023 and 2024 but failed to advance in the House of Representatives.
Cross said the bill unfairly targets the LGBTQ+ community, describing it as “a group of individuals that are just trying to have fun.”
David Walls with The Family Foundation of Kentucky voiced support for the legislation.
“We think it’s a common-sense bill to protect kids from hyper-sexualized performances, including drag performances,” Walls said. “It’s also about ensuring that our tax dollars and our public property are not used for these types of, many times, vile performances that are just completely inappropriate.”
Walls said the bill focuses on protecting children and families who may unknowingly encounter performances in public places such as parks or libraries.
Cross countered that, based on their experience, children often enjoy the performances and see them as people dressing up and having fun. Cross said decisions about whether children attend such events should be left to parents.
If passed, HB 360 could impact annual events in Louisville, including the Kentuckiana Pride Festival.
The bill was assigned to the Judiciary Committee on Jan. 21. If approved by the legislature, it would take effect immediately.
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