By Melissa Davlin, Idaho Reports
The House State Affairs committee introduced a bill to prohibit sexually explicit performances in public facilities or other places where children might be present.
Idaho Family Policy Center president Blaine Conzatti, who presented the draft legislation, said the prohibition isn’t specific to drag shows, and would also include burlesque, strip teases, or any type of erotic dancing or performances.
“We are not talking about humorous gender-bending roles in Shakespearian theater,” Conzatti said.
It also wouldn’t prohibit such performances in private venues, as long as organizers and promoters took reasonable precautions to ensure minors weren’t present, Conzatti said.
Legislatures across the country have introduced bills concerning drag shows this year, mostly focused on prohibiting minors from attending or banning performances in public. A Tennessee bill, which has passed both chambers, would ban drag altogether.
The bill needs a full hearing in order to advance.
Melissa Davlin | Host, Lead Producer
Melissa Davlin is the lead producer and host of Idaho Reports. She has covered the Idaho Legislature since 2012. She also produces for Outdoor Idaho and Idaho Experience. Melissa serves as the president of the Idaho Press Club. She has won multiple awards for her work, including a regional Emmy for her documentary on Chinese immigration in Idaho, Idaho Press Club broadcast reporter of the year for 2015 and 2019, the Idaho Press Club First Amendment Award, the University of Idaho Silver and Gold Alumni Award, and the 2019 Boise State University Enhancing Public Discourse award. She lives in Boise with her husband and children.