BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO/PRAIRIE PUBLIC) – A House committee has given a “do pass” recommendation to a bill designed to prevent children under the age of 18 from attending “drag shows.”
Sponsors told the House Judiciary Committee they were concerned over younger children being exposed to those kinds of shows, and that kind of lifestyle.
Bismarck Republican Rep. Brandon Pritchard is the bill’s main sponsor.
“I think it’s important that we pass this bill just to clarify that we are going to protect the rights of children,” Pritchard said. “We’re going to make sure that if you’re going to attend one of these cabaret performances, that you have to be above the age of 18. It’s an adult performance. We’re not saying they don’t have the right to organize. That is an important point. But, they do not have the right to organize where it is reasonable for a child to be present or involved in the show.”
Former Democratic State Sen. Tracy Potter spoke against the bill, saying it takes away the rights of parents to decide if their children can see this kind of show.
“As far as putting age limits on attendance at shows with male or female impersonators, we would be putting state law in loco parentis, suggesting that state government knows better than parents what their 16-year-old children should see at the Civic Center,” Potter said.
The committee amended the bill for more clarification, and then voted 10 – 1 for a “do-pass.”
It now goes to the House floor.
